Need time to paint

It is getting harder to find time to paint. My architecture job is getting busier, which is good, but I was really liking having time to paint.
I have been somewhat artistic at work, mostly digitally.

Painting Downtown

I really need to get a new digital camera.  This photo does not quite tell the story.

I can see these cranes from where I work (my architecture job) downtown.  I wish my studio was at this location, but oh well.

I feel good about this work, but think that it could use more focus.  The broad landscapes are a challenge with this subject.  I think there is too much sky and not enough buildings.  Perhaps if there was more interesting clouds in the image...

The detail shot is a nice composition in itself and is giving me ideas how I want to focus the urban work.  The color is better represented here.

Work In Progress

I am reminded how important the under painting is. Getting the perspective right is very challenging and is deceptive when you are close to the work. I need to step back more often and make sure the lines are right. On the bright side, the slight skew of the buildings add a certain life to the painting.

This is a view looking East from my office. There are many colors in this painting and I hope to make it even more vibrant and evocative of a morning sunrise in Portland.

This is a view looking West from my office. I have always been intrigued by the presence of construction cranes. They are sometimes more interesting than the buildings they help erect and are certainly more entertaining to watch. The yellows and oranges of the cranes add a perfect splash of color to a gray and blue tone cityscape.

Painting Fog

Monet painted this view of the Waterloo bridge in the fog. Obviously, he is a master and knew how to represent the light and colors he was seeing in the scene. The purples, blues, pinks and even some yellow swirl in and melt. He must have exaggerated what he was seeing and emphasized the color. As I worked on the paintings below, I needed to look through the gray to the abundant colors in my views.



I have a great view of Portland from my office architecture downtown. There are some spectacular mornings and I was especially intrigued by a foggy morning where there was some blue sky visible.
There are many colors in a sunrise like this and I experimented with layering and glazing to try to get the feel of it.
I think I almost got it...

Portland Fog I

Portland Fog I Detail

Portland Fog II

Portland Fog II Detail

These are for sale and if you like the cool, melancholy Portland winters then you will like these.