Inspiration from Jake

Sometimes inspiration comes from the strangest corners. After the very taxing and difficult workshop with Camille Przewodek in Scottsdale, I wanted to move forward with geometric shapes, transposing them to urban landscapes. I had to show what was in sunlight and what was in shade. This was truly a case of searching for the right color. This was not about values.

Jake had been taking many amazing photos of people. This one from Nashville of a guy checking his text messages struck a big chord. Six months ago I would not have even attempted such a thing. And if I did, I wouldn't have put the man in the painting. But Camille told me that I could paint anything. "Don't be afraid" she said. Jake's photo was so lyrical that I simply had to try.

Ray Roberts La Jolla Workshop

Just painting with Ray Roberts raises your game infinitely. He's the mad professor of dark and light . . . the crazy maker of mud which is transformed into incredible color . . . the King of Ocean Composition. The workshop came at the end of one of my great growth spurts. The perfect time to work with the Master. He helps you see the extraordinary from the ordinary. He teaches you to see.

 Study Number 2 from Day 2 was a major victory in composition and brushwork.

 The finished "studio" painting . . . 12x16. Truly "felt" this one as it emerged.

My first effort on the beach on Day 1. Ray liked my colors.