Wet Spring

I had to break out serious rain gear for this one. About half way through this 8"x10" it started to rain and grew as the painting progressed. By the time I was done... soaked!
All's well that ends well and the gorgeous subtle harmonies in that light and atmosphere are captured here I believe.
As for the rain; nothing a towel, warm cup of coffee, and my wonderful wife couldn't cure :)

Chad

Blaze of Glory

This 6"x12" was a real challenge and not just because the sun was setting fast. I had HIGH winds to say the least. It was so bad I had to use one hand and part of my body to "lean" into the easel to keep it from flying off as I painted with the other hand :) It's a miracle I got anything!
The sunsets here in upstate New York can be just fabulous and It's such a privilege to try an capture one.

Chad

Golden Pathways

This 11"x14" will be shown at The Gallery of CNY in Cazenovia New York as part of their "Just Flowers" juried exhibition. The original 8"x10" field work was painted last spring on a farm property just up the road from me. It's always interesting to take a plein air piece and change the format for a studio painting.
Gallery owner Jennifer Schutzendorf says this is one of the gallery's most successful shows so if you live in the area, opening night is April 30th, 5-7pm. The show will be up May 1st to the 22nd.

Chad

Early March

Ok... so most of the snow is gone by now. Nevertheless, it is still March and I liked this 6"x8." This was early enough in the morning that the farm and house in the distance were obscured by thick atmosphere and light. As I was looking for a painting subject the overall hazed effect fascinated me. Almost monochromatic yet there were definate warm touches throughout. Although I painted this in upstate New York it reminds me of growing up in the midwest; farms, fields, and lots of flat land. I'll admit, I hope this is the last "snow" painting I do until next December :)

Chad

Snow Patch

I came across this interesting 12"x9" composition at one of my favorite painting spots this morning. The brilliantly lit patches of snow contrasting the cool of the water and face-lit warmth of the earth tones really caught my attention. There aren't many darks to speak of other than a few accents and shadows but alas that's the charm and challenge of a face-lit scene. It was such a wonderful day to be out painting; a warm sun, cool breeze, and the rare visual treat of a landscape in the transition of seasons...what a privilege.


Chad

Evening Thaw

Painted this 6"x12" tonight as the light was fading over quickly thawing snow. I've always enjoyed this format and it's perfect for compositions here in upstate New York. The long rolling hills, open fields and stretching skies beg to be painted in this format. My wife and I drive by this area regularly and we both were taken by the beauty of this evening noticing patterns of the melting snow and rich chromatic mountains in the far distance. With her encouragement I ventured out as evening approached and I'm glad I did. I plan to employ this 6"x12" size on a far more frequent basis... It's perfect for this area :)

Chad

Half Frozen

Half Frozen is the title of this 9"x12" and also how I felt when it was finished. This is one of my favorite painting spots in Old Forge overlooking the Toby Trail. Old Forge is an amazing little town in the Adirondack Mountains. It's about an hour drive for me but worth it. They have a great Art Center there of which I am a member and as much charm as you could ask for.
This particular day was overcast but warming enough to melt some of the ice on the lake... hence the title :) Lots of subtle grays in this one I'm not sure the picture does it justice. I really enjoyed painting this despite the cold. There was a small lock/dam there with overflowing water (sounded like a decent waterfall) right behind me as I painted and the light remained fairly constant. It was a great day to be outside painting!

Chad