Fresh off the Easel ...

Binoculars #193 - Sunburst over North Dumpling Lighthouse.

20" x 20". Oil on Gessoed Sandeply Panel. 2014. Copyright.

Available through the Trade Winds Gallery. 

_______________________________________________________

This piece came together rather quickly to my surprise
as compared to the average rate it's been taking me to finish pieces this year.

The reason for that is because, over the past years I've taken it upon myself
to put a little more 'effort' into my work ... giving it that 'something'.
which has been beneficial for the most part.

So, it's rather nice when a piece comes together unexpectedly!

And with that .... the painting is of North Dumpling Lighthouse
nestled between the North shores of Fisher's Island (New York)
and the Southern shoreline of Groton Long Point, (Groton, Connecticut).

Please stay tuned from more what's new from the studio!

Cheers, ~ Polly ~ 

New Work: Words from the studio on Binoculars #192.

Binoculars #192 - The Hang Out

22" x 22". Oil on Gessoed Sandeply Panel. 2014. Copyright.

(View from Napatree Point, Watch Hill, RI)

Update: (Jan 2, 2014) This piece is no longer available.

________________________________________________________

I will admit ....

This piece struggled to come into its very own.

There was much resistance from it along the way.  

At times, it's as though it didn't want to be created!

I never felt such resistance in a piece before.

There were times when 'I' was ready to paint 

but suddenly I found myself taken away from the piece,

like a parent losing their grip of their child's hand 

in a crowd of people.

There were times where things seemed to be going well 

only to find out actually things weren't going well. 

Everything in its creation mattered to me.

But ....

There were definitive moments when 

  this piece just wouldn't have it!

So, it was handled with a deliberate

sense of not caring ...

And that's where the painting showed itself!

It grew in leaps and bounds with those few moments!

It showed its magic to me!

Please stay tuned for more what's new from the studio!

Cheers, ~ Polly ~

Two Old Friends

Binoculars #188 - Two Old Friends.

18" x 66". Oil on Gessoed Sandeply Panel. 2014.

Copyright.

Available through Susan Powell Fine Art  

________________________________________________

Words from the studio ....

This piece has always made me smile, from its conception to its finished state!

It was two summer’s ago, during that fantastic weekend of the OpSailCT2012 activities, 

when I spotted these two old friends out on the water fishing, in their nice, clean skiff, 

that I knew they would become immortalized in a painting someday! 

The painting itself went through a few stages of metamorphosis - originally it was in a square format, 

however as that painting progressed, it just didn’t feel ’right’. 

So, I changed the format completely to its current horizontal format and 

enlarged the size of the two old friends, and I also changed the vessel type(s) 

in the background, from a lone fishing trawler to a collection of varied Schooners, 

giving the piece a more relaxed feeling and quiet dignity, 

and then ...... the painting just came together.  

The OpSailCT2012 weekend was simply a magical moment in time; 

the weather was perfect and there was such a fervor of activities up and down the coast, 

that I mixed and matched elements I gravitated towards to create ‘Two Old Friends’, 

and it’s just one of a thousand stories from that beautiful weekend. 

What I truly enjoy about ‘Two Old Friends’ is that it makes me feel happy 

and it conjures up dozens of questions;
how long have they been friends?,
how did they meet?,
do they have any kids/grand-kids?,
how often do they go fishing together?,
whose skiff does it belong to?, (the one in the bow or stern)
where do they live?,
what are their names?, etc ...
that could create a thousand different storylines.  

I hope you enjoy 'Two Old Friends' as much as I do!

Cheers, ~ Polly ~

Sunshine and Sails ...

Binoculars #191 - Sunshine and Sails.

18" x 66". Oil on Gessoed Sandply Panel. 2014. Copyright.
Artist Made Custom Floating Frame. 

Gallery Location to be Announced ...

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It was a most glorious day! 

The Sun was shining bright, the water was sparkling,

 and white sails peppered the horizon!

Sparkling water is always a challenge ... 

And what I enjoyed creating the illusion of sparkling water was

using the paint itself, in the regards of thick and thin.

Though, it doesn't translate in the photograph, 

this piece has a lot of texture, which I like.

I've been embracing more texture with my paintings since, my format has gotten so much larger.

Being able to 'play with paint' is incredibly liberating and that allows for the artist's energy 

to transfer itself into a piece, which I'm finding to be far more important in a painting, 

than just a 'pretty' painting that is painted well.

The artist's Spirit and the painting's energy, its voice should resonate with its viewer. 

If you have any questions about this painting, please feel free to ask,
by leaving your question either in the comment section or sending me an email.

Please stay tuned for more what's new from the studio!

Thank you and Cheers, ~ Polly ~

Fine Day for a Sail ...

Binoculars #190 - Fine Day for a Sail.

18" x 72". Oil on Birch Panel. 2014. Copright. 

Custom Artist Made Floating Frame. 

Overall weight with frame 19.2lbs 

Available at Susan Powell Fine Art

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Another painting that was waiting to happen. ‘Fine Day for a Sail’ certainly is its namesake … for that day, there were dozens of sailboats out on the water, and amongst all those sailboats there was a sailing race occurring, far out on Long Island Sound. What I enjoyed about creating this piece was using the palette knife a lot and, leaving certain ‘beginning’ marks in the sky and keeping it lose, and later discovering the element of the ‘pairings’ that occurred somewhat unintentionally in the painting; the couple facing each other on the sailboat in the foreground, the seagulls standing next to each other on the rocks, the sailboats paired in the distance … much like a double happiness. I also loved how the shadows from the clouds fell on the water as the sailboats weaved their way in and out of them as they crossed the water.

If you have any questions about this painting, please feel free to ask,
by leaving your question either in the comment section or sending me an email.

Please stay tuned for more what's new from the studio!

Thank you and Cheers, ~ Polly ~

Opus

Binoculars #187 - Opus.

20" x 72". Oil on Gessoed Sandply Panel. 2014.

Copyright.

Gallery location to be announced ...

_____________________________________________________

The title of piece was inspired for two reasons.
1. for its very definition - any artistic work, esp. one on a large scale.
(and 20"x 72" is large for me)
and 2. by the album title by musical artist, Schiller.

While working in the studio I often listen to music.
I find it gives me rhythm and inspiration, it leads me straight to
'the zone'
where hours just suddenly fly by and the next thing I know
the day has turned into night, and it's time to rest the brushes and palette knives.

When it comes to titling a piece, in the past,
I always included the exact location of the scene ...
but now that has changed for me.
I've noticed over the years by pin-pointing a place
a sense of mystery is removed from the viewer
and has locked the painting into a specific realm.

So, I would like to restore that sense of wonder,
by freeing the painting so it can be appreciated for its own merit,
and to give the viewer a feeling as if they've discovered the location
on their own while out and about on a peaceful, meditative walk.  

I'm restoring my painting's voice,
 so that it may speak directly to the heart.

.
.
.
.

With that, I leave you with the stages of this new born piece.

If you have any questions about this painting, please feel free to ask,
by leaving your question either in the comment section or sending me an email.

Please stay tuned for more what's new from the studio!

Thank you and Cheers, ~ Polly ~

Freedom and Focus.

Binoculars #186 - Sparkling Surf.

18" x 70". Oil on Birch Panel. 2014.

Copyright.

Available at Susan Powell Fine Art.

_______________________________________________

This piece is the start of a new direction for the Binoculars series.

Over the years the Binoculars series has gotten progressively larger and larger,

and to keep the series challenging and interesting for myself I've decided to 

play with paint rather than just automatically paint, and to play with composition, 

and to revisit a few of the original elements that made the series happen.

I want to discover new colours, new textures, new techniques 

that can be mixed and matched in different ways.

Binoculars #186 - Sparkling Surf, is loaded with texture,

and has areas of contrasting thick and thin paint.

Working in the larger format allows for an interesting balance of freedom and focus.

Freedom, to play with the paint itself and keeping certain elements as they are. 

Focus, in the regards to areas that require attention and refinement.

Hopefully giving an overall balance to the finished product. 

I'm looking forward to this new approach to the series!

If you have any questions about this painting, please feel free to ask,
by leaving your question either in the comment section or sending me an email.

Please stay tuned for more what's new from the studio!

Thank you and Cheers, ~ Polly ~

When a Gallery and Artist Collaborate.

 

 

 

 

Binoculars #185. View from East Boothbay, ME - 'Out for a Cruise'.

12" x 60". Oil on MDO Board. 2013. Copyright.

 

RESERVED for the Sylvan Gallery

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I have had the honour of being represented by the Sylvan Gallery since 2005.

And in 2012, the Sylvan Gallery relocated to Wiscasset ME, from Clinton CT,
and since, I currently lack a car, my travelling abilities are somewhat limited.

The owners of the Sylvan Gallery are a wife and husband duo, Ann and Rick Scanlan,
who are both a great pleasure to work with! And since their move to Maine,
there has been talk of me doing a few Binoculars of the area near their gallery.

Rick Scanlan, is also a professional fine art photographer
and he was kind enough to take a few photos of East Boothbay ME
specifically in the Binoculars format for me.

After taking elements from the photos that I naturally gravitated towards,
I came up with a largest Binoculars size yet, 12" x 60". The piece itself came together
relatively quickly because I had study the photos on/off for several weeks prior.

And the above painting is the final result of
when a gallery and artist collaborate!!

Please stay tuned for more what's new from the studio!!

Cheers, ~ Polly ~




 

Up-Coming Show!

 

 

Summer in Connecticut

Susan Powell Fine Art

 

Show Dates: June 28 - August 31, 2013.

 

Opening Reception: July 12. 2013. 4-8pm.

 

Please join us for a lovely evening celebrating the glorious

days of Summer in Connecticut with beautiful Art. 

 

Thank you for your continued patronage!

 

 

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Binoculars #177 / 2013.

View from Avery Point - 'Summer's Here!'

36" x 36". Oil on Birch Panel. Copyright.

Available at Susan Powell Fine Art

 

 

 

Binoculars #178 / 2013.

View from Avery Point - 'High Noon.'

10" x 60". Oil on mdo board. Copyright.

Available at Susan Powell Fine Art

 

 

 

Binoculars #179 / 2013.

View from Avery Point - 'Quiet Evening.'

30" x 30". Oil on Birch Panel. Copyright.

Available at Susan Powell Fine Art

 

 

 



An Invitation ....

 

 

 

Binoculars #177 / View from Avery Point - Summer's Here!

36" x 36". Oil on Birch Panel. 2013. Copyright.

 

 

RESERVED

for

Susan Powell Fine Art 

 

'Summer in Connecticut' show

 

Invitation Dates and Times to be Announced!

 

_________________________________________________________

 

 

Speaking of Invitations!

 

Over the years, creating a studio painting has

become a rather private process for me.

 

I rarely show works in progress to anyone.

 

It is very much along the lines of keeping a private journal

where all the untold secrets and confessions are kept

which are fiercely protected and never meant to be shared ....

 

But, today I feel compelled to share a little with you!

 

So, I invite you into my studio to have a look at

my process of creating a studio painting.

 

Enjoy!!

 

 

Stage 1: Blocking in and having fun.

 

 

 

Stage 2: Building transparent and opaque layers.

 

 

 

Stage 3: Blocking in Composition and, darks and lights.

 

 

 

Stage 4: Blocking in Composition and, darks and lights cont'.

 

 

 

Stage 5: Refining form and, darks and lights.

 

 

 

Stage 6: Refining the values, forms,

and other compositional elements.

 

 

Stage 7: Refining highlights and compositional elements.

 

 

 

Stage 8: And Voila! Zee finishing touches!

 

 

________________________________________________________

 

Mind you, I can't divulge all of my secrets in one fell swoop,

however this gives you a basic idea of my painting process.

 

Please stay tuned for more what's new from the studio!

 

Cheers, ~ Polly ~



New Work - Binoculars #176.

 

 

 

Binoculars #176 / View from Eastern Point - Summer Sailing Lessons.

7 1/2" x 60" . Oil on mdo board. 2013. Copyright.

 Available at Susan Powell Fine Art

 

 

Detail from: Binoculars #176 /2013.

 

 

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Yesterday kicked off the first day of Spring here in New England

and already I am longing for the lovely warm and long days of Summer!

 

One of my favourite things to see along the Connecticut shoreline

during the Summer is the classic sight of 'Sailing Lessons'!

 

I love watching the first time sailors, who are often young,

 test out their newly learned knowledge and skills by

prepping their designated boats, putting on their life-jackets 

and then launching their boat into ideal waters with the

aid of their sailing instructor and having ideal winds 

as they tack back and forth across the water.

 

Observing from a distance you can just sense the exhilaration

and excitement as they dance in and out of each others wakes.

 

What also excited me about this piece was the

opportunity to put some colour theory into play;

a warm blue verses a cool blue which can be seen

in the spinnaker sail and surrounding sky and water.

 

One other thing that garnered my attention to this scene was the

light / shadow play between the spinnaker's shadow and the sunlit sail.

 

So, as the young sailors test their sailing skills in this piece

I am also testing my artistic skills at colour theory.

 

Please stayed tuned for more what's new from the studio!

 

Cheers, ~ Polly ~

 

 

 

 

 



From the Studio: Photo of the Week, plus update.

 

 

Photo of the Week: On the Easel: Binoculars #176 - almost finished.

 

Detail from: Binoculars #176 - Summer Sailing Lessons.

 

 

Binoculars #176 / View from Eastern Point - Summer Sailing Lessons.

7 1/2" x 60". Oil on mdo board. 2013. Copyright.

Reserved for Susan Powell Fine Art

 

____________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Time for an update from the studio, goodness it's been a while!

 

Since the blog post, which was a 'plein-air efforts' post, I haven't done

any plein-air painting and that's mainly due to the weather.

 

And that should rarely ever be an excuse for any plein-air painter,

but there are times when it can be rather difficult to muster the motivation

let alone find the inspiration where everything is a drab gray-ish brown,

and the sky is nothing, but a gray-ish white blanket, and it's cold outside.

 

So with the weather being as it has been for the last month

I've put myself back in the studio by working on a new batch of Binoculars

paintings for the nice set of gallery representation that I now have (and

also for inventory ... which is always a great challenge for me).

 

It is quite the contrast from last October where for a very short while,

I had no physical gallery representation what-so-ever. 

 

Among having the Sylvan Gallery (again) and Trade Winds Gallery (new),

 Susan Powell Fine Art of Madison CT, now represents my work as well.

 

It's also that time of year for Marine artists to give it their best shot

at trying for the prestigious honour of the 'Signature Membership' of the 

American Society of Marine Artists

which I will be attempting to do again this year.

 

So, even though it may be quiet from time to time here on the blog

rest assured there is always something brewing in the studio!

 

And speaking of which, I'm super excited about the next

'Artist on Artist' interview for next month!

 

Please stay tuned for more what's new from the studio!

 

Cheers, ~ Polly ~ 

    

 

 



New Works!

 

 

Binoculars #174 / View from Watch Hill, RI.
The Kathleen - Running Downwind.

10" x 60". Oil on mdo board. 2012-13. Floating Frame.©

 Trade Winds Gallery

 

Binoculars #175 / View from Avery Point, CT.
The AJ Meerwald out for a Sail, the day before OpSail2012.

10" x 60". Oil on mdo board. 2012-13. Floating Frame. ©

 Trade Winds Gallery

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The weekend of July 6-9 2012
was absolutely magical and magnificent
for any maritime artist!

OpSail2012CT
was scheduled
to happen that weekend
in the city of New London, CT
and unbeknownst to me
at the time so was the
50th Annual Catboat Association Rendez-Vous
which was held in the celebrated
Seaport town of Mystic, CT.

That Friday I decided to my ride
bike down to Avery Point
hoping to see and gather a bunch of
pre-OpSail activities for future paintings.



All I can say is
my hopes became reality,
the day was simply perfect!

Full of glorious sunshine,
crying and laughing gulls,
warm soothing sea-breezes
and lots and lots and lots
of sailing and boating activity!

Oh My!!

It was almost too overwhelming
I simply couldn't wait to
get started on new works!

After the busy day of OpSail,
(which was misty and foggy)
my sister and I
ventured to Watch Hill, RI
for a nice lazy kick-back
day at the beach.

Yet, another perfect day!

Oh My, Oh My!!

One thing I've learned over the years
is that whenever my sister and I
go to the beach together
I don't just bring a towel and suntan lotion
I also bring my Binoculars and camera
because some momentous thing
always happens out on the water!



Like a Catboat with a wonderful
yellow spinnaker sail cruises on by.

Needless to say the weekend was
packed with one painting after another.

And more are still in the works!

Please, stay tuned for more
what's new from the studio!

Cheers, ~ Polly ~

2012 - Annual Retrospect.

 

A year in paintings.

 

Plein-air: Last Light at Mohegan Park.

10" x 10". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copryright.

In the Studio

 

 

 

Binoculars #137. View from Avery Point - Out for a Sail.

8" x 48". Oil on mdo board. 2011-12. Copyrighht.

Private Collection.  

 

 

 

 

Binoculars #162. View from Avery Point - Evening Cruise.

8" x 48". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copyright.

In the Studio

 

 

 

Binoculars #163. View from Avery Point - USCG Cuetter Returns.

10" x 60". Oil on mdo board. 2011-12. Copyright.

Sylvan Gallery

 

 

 

Plein-air: Sunlight, Shadows and Snow.

8 1/2" x 8 1/2". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copyright.

In the Studio

 

 

 

Binoculars #164. View from Eastern Point - White Sails, Blue Waters.

8" x 48". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copyright.

Private Collection.

 

 

Binoculars #165. View from Avery Point - Just Crusing.

8" x 48". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copyright.

Trade Winds Gallery

 

 

 



Binoculars #166. View from Avery Point - Summer Fun!

10" x 60". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copyright.

In the Studio

 

 

 

 

Binoculars #167. View from Eastern Point - Before the Storm.

7" x 60". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copyright.

Trade Winds Gallery

 

 

 

Binoculars #168. View from Avery Point - Summer Fun!

8" x 48". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copyright.

In the Studio

 

 

 

Binoculars #169. View from Weekapaug Point - Passing Storm.

10" x 60". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copyright.

Private Collection.

 

Binoculars #170. View from Weekapaug Point - Surf's Up!

10" x 60". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copyright.

Private Collection.

 

 

 

Binoculars #171. View from Eastern Point - Sunfish Pals.

8" x 48". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copyright.

Sylvan Gallery

 

 

Binoculars #172. View from Avery Point - Good Day to be on the Water!

10" x 60". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copyright.

Private Collection.

 

 

 

Plein-air/Landscape: Summer Fog over Barn Island.

8" x 48". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copyright.

In the Studio

 

 

Plein-air/Landscape: Sunset and Fog over Winnapaug Pond.

8" x 48". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copyright.

Private Collection.

 

 

Plein-air: Green Challenge. 

16" x 36". Oil on Canvas. 2012. Copyright.

In the Studio

 

 

 

Plein-air: Green Challenge #2.

12" x 18". Oil on Canvas. 2012. Copyright.

In the Studio

 

 

 

Still-Life: Colour Exercise. 

14 1/2" x 6 1/2". Oil on Birch. 2012. Copyright.

In the Studio

 

 

 

Plein-air: The Garden Shed. 

6 1/2" x 14 1/2". Oil on Birch. 2012. Copyright.

In the Studio

 

 

 

Plein-air: The Flower Garden. 

8 1/2" x 8 1/2". Oil on Birch. 2012. Copyright.

In the Studio

 

 

 

Plein-air: October Colours.

18" x 36". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copyright.

Private Collection.

 

 

 

Binoculars #173. View from Weekapaug Point - Winter Sky. 

10" x 60". Oil on mdo board. 2012. Copyright.

In the Studio

 

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The goal for 2013,

is to be more

productive, adventurous

 and successful!

 

Please stay tuned for more

what's new from the studio!

 

Cheers, ~ Polly ~