Painting in Suisun

Suisun Sparkles - 8x10" - oil

Yesterday, I painted in Suisun with "DaGroup," a local painting group. This is the tidal marsh at the edge of the city. Tidal marshes are difficult because not only is the light changing, but because the patterns of the grasses and water change as the tide rises or falls. I totally love sparkles on water, and there were lots of sparkles in this scene! And we had nice weather (unlike last week, when it was so cold.)

I hope you are having good weather and can get out and paint!

Photographing large paintings

Photoflood light with polarizing filter

Yesterday I took pictures of some larger paintings. It is always a challenge to get good pictures of oil paintings because of the shine and texture of the surface. Smaller paintings can usually be photographed in the shade or in a lightbox. But, if you want a really good professional quality image, it is necessary to use a polarizing filter on the camera lens, and on the lights! Here is one of the lights with the filter gel clipped in front of it. Looks crude, but it works! The filter is just a sheet of plastic that will melt if it gets too close to the heat of the light bulb. Now I have some good images for juried shows!

Have a good new year!