Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Busy Rooftop Scene, Manayunk

pen and ink wash 7"x7"

I spent this weekend working in Manayunk again, hiking up and down the hills to find interesting views until I got a blister. Here is a dense scene looking east towards an unnamed church. 

Sometimes I find the subject of pure landscape a little monotonous to paint, especially here in the Northeast with the relentless greens of spring and summer. If I can find a neighborhood with lots of hills and architecture, I'm happy.

I do have one question about pen and ink wash, and if you have any experience with it I'd love your feedback. Why is it that everytime my pen accidentally leaves a big old BLOT, it's always in a spot that I needed to keep pure white, NEVER in a shadow area?

My last spring class came to an end last night, and while I'll miss my hard-working and enthusiastic students, I'm glad that I'll be able to put more focus on my work for a while. 

Friday, May 10, 2013

Street Scene from the South Side, Bethehem, PA

oil on board 6"x6"

I often make the 40 minute drive north to paint in beautiful Bethlehem, PA. I love the hilly aspect of Bethehem, which makes for wonderful compositions. I also love the gritty character of the city with its aura of a complex history, with most of its original buildings still in use.