Quick Studies in Oils and Acrylics

The Yard #1
3.3/8"x5"
Acrylic on illustration board

 This was painted one lazy afternoon while lounging in my backyard.  I've always loved painting in acrylics because of its fast drying and setup qualities.  Doing quick sketch studies with this medium is great because you can throw down a wash or value setting and then lay an opaque layer on top and go from there.  It’s been a long time since I last used acrylics and had to re-acquaint myself to the value shifts between wet and dry colours.  I did this one on a scrape piece of illustration board that I cut up into smaller pieces for this purpose some time ago.  I will definitely be doing a lot more of these in the time to come as I think this is a good exercise for the 'o hand, eye and brain noodle-thingy-communication.

Bowl of Bangles
5x7"
Oil on canvas panel

On that same note of doing quick studies and getting loose and all, I did this one in oil using my new pochade case; getting away from my cigar paint box setup and comfort zone.  Time to get “old school” and tap into that once familiar “vein” of creativity and discovery and play around with the medium.  This painting is of an old hollowed out decorative coconut shell that my wife is currently using as some sort of holder for her bangles.  Nice!

Blondie

8x10"

Oil on canvas

I’ve been staring at this drawing for about six or seven months and finally got around to painting it.  Blondie passed in June of 2012 leaving a pretty big hole in our hearts.  I was trying to figure out how to render the background.  Either I render it as a detailed backdrop or a vignette of some sort. 

 

Detail

Then I saw a figurative painting in which an artist used a palette knife to lay in the background and I had my “a-ha“ moment.  So here it is and I’m happy with the outcome.

The initial pencil drawing with several coats of spray fixative.

This time around I did a Burnt Siena acrylic wash to set up my under painting.

A mixture of turps and burnt Umber were scrubbed into the canvas and then wiped off with a paper towel.

Using a palette knife I painted in the background.

Here I started in setting up my shadows and at this stage painting in Blondie’s face.

Laying in color to her torso and legs.

Adding some finishing touches and details.

Studies in Oil by Maurice Morgan

Ok, here we go folks.  I just finished editing this thingy and posted it.  Hope you like it.  I am now off to my next lot of painting after a long hiatus.  Cheers.

Blue Curacao

5x6"

Acrylic on foam core board

I did this painting about two years ago and I still love the contrast between the blue and red hues.  I love painting in acrylics, from time to time, because of the fast drying capabilities of the medium.  I’ve exploited acrylics professionally earlier in my career and know all the tricks of creating different effects.   But to just use it as a pure medium loosely, painting without regard to controlling it, to capture the moment is always fun and rewarding.

 But oils… I will always love the fluidity, texture, smoothness, brilliance, the application and the aroma of turpentine, linseed and varnish in creating a vision on a canvas or board.

   

Tea Pot & Fruit

5x6"

Acrylic on foam core board

My wife was given this tea pot from a client of hers.  All ceramic and interesting in the fact that it is entirely hand sculpted.  Funny thing is that it is not functional.  Just a beautifully sculpted art piece.

Martini Shaker

5x6"

Acrylic on foam core board

I have always loved working in acrylic paint due to its quick drying properties.  But I also love the challenge of oil painting.  It is very demanding but rewarding.  I like how this one turned out.