Back To Easton!

Chad Smith at Easton pic by Curtis Brandt

Greetings!
I returned from Plein Air Richmond recently and am pleased to be heading back to Plein Air Easton in Maryland this week. From there I'll be on my way to Door County Wisconsin. It will be a great couple weeks of painting and traveling and I look forward to letting you know how it all went.

In the meantime, here are a few pics from my work in Richmond, Virginia.

Chad

Falls At Maymont 12x9"

The General 12x9"

St. James At Floodstage 12x9"

Libbie Hill Overlook 9x12"

Italian Gardens Afternoon 9x12"

Sunny Skies

Oil On Linen 9"x12"

"Sunny Skies"  was done on a brilliant afternoon at the Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area.
This picture continues with the Florida theme of blog postings from my painting trip in January of this year. This park is a gem just off I75 in North Fort Myers/ Punta Gorda.

I visited this park several times when I lived in this area and it hasn't changed a bit. One must be aware of the gators as they are known to be "enormous" in the many lakes, ponds, and waterways there. Thankfully, I had no issues and was able to capture this delightful moment without interruption. The cool breeze, water sparkle, silhouetted palm, and covered shelter all added up to a winning composition.

Looking at this painting I can still feel the heat of the afternoon in SW Florida and I hope you enjoy it as well.

Chad

At The Beach

12"x9" Oil On Linen

"At The Beach" was painted on another beautiful early afternoon looking out towards the Gulf in SW Florida.  The warm light was incredible and enhanced by the yellow, orange, and red ground foliage. A path of hot white sand opens up the painting leading the viewer to an unseen beach experience just over the drop off. The cool shadow and back-lit tree are the only major dark attracting a lot of attention and ballancing the work. Of course, I had to record a brilliant "sparkle" as the intense Florida sun reflected on the water in this contre jour' piece.

Chad

Palm Rhythms

12"x9" Oil On Linen

"Palm Rhythms" was painted on a beautiful SW Florida morning. I loved the textural qualities of the palms along with the musical pattern their overlapping provided. Of further interest was the mid-morning sky in the background that still held some "reddish" warmth at the horizon and more patterns.

To this point I've shared only back-lit paintings from my recent painting trip. This work has an almost face-lit quality. The challenges are different but Florida never disappoints.

Chad

From The Hip

Morning Shadows 9"x12" Oil On Linen

 "Morning Shadows" was the first painting from my January painting trip this year to SW Florida. It was painted early enough that I had lengthy shadows from Queen Palms across the light sand road. It was a gorgeous morning of course. This work was the first attempt at a little different approach in which I was shooting "From The Hip." The point was that I wanted more reference material this trip compared to "finished" plein air paintings. In the end, I was quite pleased with the result and it stands on its own without all the "fuss."

"Morning Shadows" is available at Gardner Colby Gallery in Naples, FL. (239) 403-7787

Chad

More Florida Sparkle

Yacht Club Sparkle  9"x12" Oil On Linen

Here's another plein air piece from my recent trip to SW Florida. This was painted in late morning across the inlet from the Marco Island Yacht Club. Like my last post of "Naples Pier Sparkle" I again had overhead light creating magnificently blinding reflections on the water. Of note, the sailboat wasn't in my original idea but as I was just getting setup it cruised on by and I HAD to chip it in there.

This painting along with "Naples Pier Sparkle" with be available at Gardner Colby Gallery in Naples, Florida.

Chad

Naples Pier Sparkle

Naples Pier Sparkle 9"x12" Oil On Linen

 This 9"x12" was painted plein air on Naples Beach at the pier, hence the name. It was a busy day at the beach with lots of people on the beach and the pier itself. I always enjoy painting "into" the light and this one was timed perfectly. As the afternoon sun moved over the pier giving that glorious sparkle on the water I set to work. There was just enough time to capture the intensity of the experience before the sun had moved on.

As always, painting in public draws attention. I had the privilege of meeting several tourists and a local who insisted on making interesting conversation the last half of the painting time. Thankfully, I was able to do two things at once without offending him or the painting.

"Naples Pier Sparkle" is destined for Gardner Colby Gallery in Naples. I also look forward to working this up in the studio as a larger composition. Thanks for reading!

Chad

Evening Painting Adventures

"Bench Nocturne" 12"x9"

Last year's "Naples Pier Nocturne" 12"x9"

As promised, here is an image from my January trip to SW Florida. For this painting I went back to the Naples Pier after dark. I had spotted this arrangement earlier in the day and was pretty sure it had potential for a Nocturne with the overhead street lamp. I was not disappointed.

My buddy John the security officer was there on duty just like last year's Nocturne on the pier(see image). He was dealing with a vagrant when I arrived and had called the police who after interrogation took the "perp" to the local hospital I believe. He was mumbling to himself, incoherent, and not making sense. Painting in public is always an adventure! Nevertheless,we had nice conversation while I painted and it was good to catch up. In addition, I met several groups and couples out for a romantic evening stroll at the beach. A painter set up with all his gear always attracts attention. A great time was had by all.

  Chad

Florida Painting Trip

Extraordinary SW Florida

I have just returned from a wonderful opportunity to travel to SW Florida on a painting trip this January.  Please understand, I live in upstate NY where I left two+ feet of snow and freezing conditions so it goes without saying no one twisted my arm to take this trip.

Unfortunately, Erin had to stay behind and I was all work and no play while visiting my former home in the sunshine state. I produced close to 40 paintings/studies while there and look forward to posting several of the more finished pieces here. Studio pieces for Gardner Colby will also be forthcoming.

Speaking of Gardner Colby Gallery, I was able to extend my visit in order to attend an opening at the gallery.  The images below are four of my paintings hanging during the opening. Afterwards, I was invited to dinner with Nancy and Tony the owners along with Pamela the manager, and artists John Schuyler and Ran Adler. A great time was had by all.

Studio Paintings at Gardner Colby

Plein Air Paintings at Gardner Colby

Chad