Morning Light

"Morning Light" was painted on a local farm here in upstate New York this autumn. This 8"x10" is in oil and was a joy to paint. The weather couldn't have been more pleasant as the sun was on the rise and the fall colors were well underway. I couldn't resist adding the groups of cattle as they moved in for their morning feed. Reminds me of growing up in the rural midwest... minus all the mountains of course.

Chad

Nantucket Pathway

I was fortunate enough to paint on the island of Nantucket this summer. This is a 6"x8" in oil of a reserve there on the tiny isle off the eastern seaboard. I was fascinated by the unique color cast over the place; even the grasses looked different to me. I stayed on the beach facing the Atlantic and the waves there were incredible. It is hard to put that kind of experience into words or on canvas.

Chad

Tug Hill Donation

I have had the pleasure of participating in the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust plein air benefit for the last two years. Tug Hill is an enormous stretch of land in upstate New York. Last year the event was held at Constable Hall. This years we were at Salmon River Falls. When reaching the falls I couldn't resist taking what looked like a "closed" trail down to the bottom of the falls to see what kind of composition was there. I have to say I wasn't disappointed but... the climb back up the 100 ft. falls about killed me! All's well that ends well and I'm glad I was able to participate with this 8"x10" and get reacquainted with a few artist friends. Needless to say, I'm trying to lighten my gear; if you've got any suggestions I'm listening. :)

Chad

Mall Cop

Some of you may remember the "Incident" where four county sheriff's were called to investigate your truly. Well... I had another run in with THE LAW. One early morning I innocently set up one foot from the "Public" sidewalk overlooking a local mall. The morning sun was blazing on the side of the building throwing shadows around and contrasting nicely with the cool atmosphere. As you can see from the painting there was nobody around and I had parked here at the very end of the parking lot. In comes the namesake of this posting the MALL COP. His shining vehicle yellow lights whirling approached and he exited to investigate the I'm sure strange vehicle parked way out in no man's land. Mind you, I had been painting for an hour and a half by this time and was finishing up. The guy didn't even see me and my giant tripod and easel set up not twenty feet away so I spoke up and he replied with "what are you doing?" Trying not to overstate the obvious or add any sarcasm I said "I'm painting." To try to make this long and I assure you entertaining story shorter, mall cop proceeded to interrogate me and ended up calling his boss to make sure I could "keep the painting." He had apparently been studying copyright and intellectual property law and was concerned I was in violation by PAINTING HIS MALL.
Well all's well that ends well and I was allowed to keep my painting after giving my driver's license as proof of identity and if they needed to track me down in case the painting was used for some nefarious purpose. He even wanted my address and phone number. The one bright note from the zealous fellow while calling his superior to see if I should be water boarded... " you do good work." ;)

Chad

Rained Out

This 6"x8" was painted in the back lot of a local store here in Utica. Raining all day, the football field was soaked and empty. Catching my attention was the highly reflective lot against the grayed and muted mid-ground trees and mountains in the background. I've been fascinated by city scenes for some time and am happy to post the beginning of probably many more cityscapes. Having spent many years living in a city it is a part of me... It was a fine day to paint!

Chad

Great Time At Gallery 3040

Erin and I had a great time at Gallery 3040 as perhaps you can tell from this video. There was live music and the bassist was kind enough to let me "noodle" after. :)
Thank you to everyone who came, it was such a pleasure to meet so many art lovers! I've included a few pics from the event. Again, thank you to everyone who came and said hello and to Deb and crew at Gallery 3040 for a great night.

Chad

Reception at Gallery 3040

Gallery 3040 in Old Forge, New York will be hosting a reception for yours truly Friday, August 6th, 5-8 pm. Erin and I would love to see you there. Gallery 3040 is a special place in Old Forge. Owner Deb Burrington has focused on only handcrafted work from a select group of fine artists; you'll find original works in oil, pastel, and watercolor. Deb has also collected gorgeous pottery, glass work and jewelry from the Northwest of the country as well.
As for me, I have 25 plein air pieces as well as studio paintings in oil at Gallery 3040... thus the reason for the reception :) I'm told there will be wine and a good time had by all so we'd love to see you there.
Attached is the latest studio painting just delivered to Gallery 3040, "Blaze of Glory" at 12"x24". The picture doesn't do it justice (I promise) so you have to come to the reception to fully appreciate... :)

Hope to see you there,

Chad