The Bather: a skinny-dipper by another name

Skinny-dipper (The Bather)
2013
44x48
oil on canvas

My take on "The Bather".
Here, the figure, the environment and the activity all merge into one visual expression.

As is fairly typical for me, I am more interested in conveying the full sensory experience from my  memory (or imagination) than from observation at the time of painting.

This allows me to be more fully present in the landscape, and therefore keenly aware of it, and equally aware and present as I paint.  This kind of focus works well for me.

Cezanne's masterpiece, The Bather 1885

Interesting note:
Cezanne painted this from a photograph of a model in a studio.

Paint Sketch

Semi-reclining Figure
2013
5x7
oil










This small sketch I did a couple weeks back using RF pigment sticks.
These are luscious pigments an a buttery oil stick form.
They can be tricky to work with, but are very exciting, just the same.

Figure Study in Oil

Seated Figure
2013
10x8
oil














Here's a quick little study from the figure group I have been going to.  I used R&F oil sticks which, particularly on such a small canvas forces you to generalize and work loosely.

Seated Model
2013
acrylic on paper
13x10















Finally!  I am back to a regular figure practice.
I am in a 10-week uninstructed group at Emerson Umbrella in Concord, MA.
It feels really good to get back to this sort of thing.

This is from the first meeting, last week.

Winter Afternoon
2012
16x20
oil












Late in December a few of us got together and painted this homey scene of a young man reading.
I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this sort of domestic scene, but I found that if you love the material of paint enough, the subject matter doesn't matter so much.
The result was more successful than I imagined it would be.

First Shows of 2013

Ann's Piano
2012
10x8
oil















Unrelated to this little painting, I have a few paintings in shows opening this week.

 Post Road Art Center in Marlborough this
Thursday, January 10, 2013 from 5:30-8 p.m.
2013 Figure and Portrait Show,  juried by Bob Collins
 I have two figure paintings there.

and on Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 2-4 p.m. at
Concord Art Association is
Members Juried I, Painting & Sculpture, juried by George Nick
I have a figure painting here, too.

 Click on the links for details or to see the shows on line (CAA posts images after the opening)

On the Threshold

2011

24x18

oil on canvas

2011

23x15

Mixed media on paper

Isn't she a saucy red head?