Scott Addis

Scott Addis is my dear friend who is a most amazing artist. He lives in Montreal. I am starting to take some coaching from him. I am excited for the challenge and insight that this will bring me. 

I wanted to share with you some of his beautiful work. I can just get lost in it all. Enjoy these photos and then go and check out more of his website: http://galerieaddis.com or see him on Facebook. 

I am painting my butt off!

Muddy Path on a Grey Day

8 x 10, oil on panel

What a mess this day was. Wet, mucky, stick-to-your-boots mud. And it was darkish too. What a day to paint outside! The challenge was to bring some life into all the dark. There is some but I strive for more.

Shack at the Silo

9 x 12, oil on panel

Another muddy day in England (and very windy too) but with a bit of fleeting sunshine. This shack was so overgrown and had such character it drew me in. The door actually kept on flapping open and closed in the wind.  This one was fun to paint. I don't do many structures for fear of getting too caught up in the details. One day buildings will be something I will conquer but they just aren't pulling me at the moment. Here I had found a somewhat sheltered area to set up in but my painting buddy decided to plop himself in the middle of the unplanted field of puddles and... more mud. His painting blew over into the mud several times.

Untitled

8 x 10, oil on panel

This is part of my commitment to learn how to paint the moving clouds. There is such drama and energy in this kind of cloud cover as the sunshines peaks through in varying degrees so quickly. I do not consider this to be a success (among other things I think the composition is trite and uninteresting) but I did get a bit of insight. I did 2 other small studies of the clouds and learned even more but the photos of those paintings are pending the battery recharge on my camera. 

A better photo of the post from the other day. This was not a plein air painting but I think I am starting to take some of the things that I am learning en plein air and applying them to my studio work.

Sheep Study

5 x 7

These little guys are right outside my window so I don't even have to pack up to do them from life. I am after getting their shape and values in as few of strokes as I can. I am pleased with what took place here. The bottom one is headless because the neighbor came out and tossed them some bread and they moved. I will be doing more of them as I take advantage of my opportunity of having them so close since I won't be here forever.

ps - I am still  not pleased with my photos. These are not scanned cause they are all still wet. 

Starting to do Plein Air Painting

In the Middle of the Park

5 x 7, oil on linen panel

I have started en plein air painting (painting outdoors). I have been putting it off forever but, as I follow so many artists whose work I really like, I cannot get away from knowing that they paint en plein air. The current day masters all say to do it. So I have finally begun. I had put it off because I didn't want the pressure of time as the light changes and I didn't want the pain of getting all the equipment ready etc. and setting up in all weather conditions. After only a few days, in chill and drizzle, I may be hooked. What a crazy time of year to start painting outside.

Hiding After the Chase

5 x 7 oil on linen panel

Catch the hint of "my" cows under the trees. They had just been mini-stampeded by an unruly terrier. 

I do like the color that is ending up in these en plein air paintings. I am learning why so many love to paint this way.

Pair of Trees

5 x 7 oil on panel

Across the pasture on the farm where we are living here in England are these 2 trees that seem to stand guard over the acres. The trees like these each seem to have their own personality cause you cannot find 2 that are the same. After finishing this painting I headed to the store to buy a camping stool cause sitting on the ground killed me.

Another Walk. Another Painting

Misty Morning

5 x 7, Oil on Panel

I take lots of walks around West Malling. I really do appreciate this part of England. When I don't forget my camera I can get loads of great paintng subjects. This was one of them.

Another Path

England Path #2 to East Malling

5 x 7

Oil on Panel
SOLD

This path is narrow and so inviting. So many of the paths in England are. There is such a romance about them. At times I feel like I am in a fairytale book as I walk them. I let my imagination wander.

A Walk in the Park in England

"A Walk in the Park in England"

5 x 7"

Oil on panel
SOLD

These romantic scenes are around every corner in this woodland area. I could feel the footsteps of the many, many others who have walked here before me. The open woods just let the sunlight stream in. I really enjoy how light blue can capture such a mood.

Bea and Shana

"Bea", 8 x 10, oil on panel

SOLD

"Shana", 8 x 10, oil on panel
SOLD

Some more figuratives

I am being pulled to do more and more figurative oils. I am happy with these but be watching for a looser technique soon.

"Toss a Stone, Make a Wish"

8" x 10"

Loved the gesture as she tossed a pebble into the water.

"Free Range in the Snow"

8" x 10"
SOLD

The unlikely scene draws me. Especially when it is unexpected and with no trickery. Chickens walking over a bridge in the dead of winter. Of course. The deep shadows of a lower winter sun helped to show off not only the chickens but more importantly, their shadows.

"Pondering at a Fire Gone Cold"

8" x 10"

So 'everyday different' was this scene. Cold. Crisp. Quiet. Again the long shadows of the winter sun.

"Huddling in the Barn"

8" x 10"
SOLD