Playmats Arch Central Park, New York, New York

Playmates Arch, Color Study, Oil on Canvas, 16x20

Here's a recent Plein Air painting I created. I visit Central Park several times a week to create paintings of the bridges and arches. This spot had its challenges. The first challenge was that I started painting on a cloudy day then, half way through the painting, the sun came out. So I had to make color changes. The forecast said cloudy all day and I wanted to study the light on a cloudy day.

The 2nd challenge was the perspective. There was an optical illusion that was driving me crazy. When I stood there, the angle of the path visually went from the tunnel up towards the right side because the path goes down hill. But optically, I had to do the opposite. It looked one way but I had to draw it the opposite way. You can kinda see it on this image.

Regardless of the challenges, I learned a lot. I'm looking forward to the next one.

Landscape Painting at Central Park New York

Dipway Arch, Central Park, New York, Oil on Canvas, 16x20

This summer, I've been going to Central Park in the mornings to paint landscapes. The experience has been rewarding. I've gotten to know Central Park well and my painting has improved a lot.

Central Park has a lot of beautiful bridges. This one is located on the south side of the park, called Dipway Arch. I painted this one on a cloudy day so it was challenging for me. On sunny days, I can easily paint the lights and shadows, but on cloudy days, there is little contrast and more color range between the lights and darks.

Portrait Painting Summer Class at NYAA

Portrait Study, Oil on Canvas, 16x20

This summer I'm taking a portrait painting class on Saturdays. The instructor is Robert Armetta. He's teaching the methods of the old masters: lots of layers of glazes that are painted on the canvas over time to get a glowing effect. Here's my recent painting from class. This was a 9 hour session. Next week we have a new model. I'm looking forward to starting a new piece.

Figure Painting Summer Class at NYAA

Figure Study, Oil on Canvas, 18x36

This summer I'm taking a figure painting class at NYAA with instructor Robert Armetta. It's been a great experience. Robert taught the painting methods of the old masters: Velasquez, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Vermeer, Veronese, Titian, etc. This method, called Indirect Painting, is new for me. Lots of glazing, painting wet on wet, and lots of patience because we often used small brushes and paint for 6hrs a day for 6 days!  I'm starting to really like this technique. It gives the flesh tones a unique glow. Next week we start a new piece, I'm looking forward to it.