Paintings From the Roos Schuring Workshop

The Long Beach of Katwijk

9 x 12, oil

3 days of workshop had us going to the same spot each day. It was amazing to get 6 completely different paintings out of the same location. It inspires me to just walk out my door where I live and do the same.

The Tide's Leftovers

9 x 12, oil

There was this dip in the beach where water collected and stayed between the cycles of the tide, leaving somewhat of an island between the two waters of the sea and the beach. It was too tempting to paint from the middle strip of dry beach. Of course, that meant that we had to keep our eyes open for the tide as it came in so that we would not get washed away. Hard to do when you have lost all sense of time and surroundings being very involved with the painting. There were many times we had to yell to the artists to get out of there as the water started coming onto the feet of their easels. All part of the adventure.

Walking the Beach Waters

9 x 12, oil

Tide was going out so the thin layer of water on the beach was very walkable, and many, many people did walk it. In fact, on a daily basis we saw one woman come down to the beach and just walk her unsaddled white pony, saw a great and picturesque horse and buggy take to the trot along the shore, saw lots and lots of dog walkers and of course we saw scores of people and school groups as well.
SOLD

Trolling for Fish

12 x 9, oil

The fishing boat was another of the out-of-the-ordinary scenes we saw. Big multi-sailed boats were way off in the distance too, as well as plenty of barges. Katwijk is not that far south of Amsterdam which is a major port for Europe.

Painting Against the Tide

12 x 9, oil

I couldn't resist painting painters. All of us there fighting the elements - the wind, some rain, the tide, heavy fog, cold weather, more wind,  more wind. Every one of my paintings has a souvenir of Katwijk beaches on it from the wind kicking up the sand. When they are thoroughly dry I will hopefully be able to brush some of it off.

Fishermen in the Mist

9 x 12, oil

Fog is so magical. Maybe it makes for good fishing too. The beachside fishermen just anchor their long poles into the sand and stand and wait for the show to begin, in the meantime they do whatever fishermen do. 

This was the last painting I did in Katwijk. By now I was really pooped but still invigorated. Lots I learned and can't wait to apply at home.

Notan

 Trying something new - Notan, the simplest kind. Notan means black and white and in painting one does a sketch making everything in shadow to be black and everything in light to be white.

This is my pencil drawing.

Next, draw the image onto the canvas and paint the black and white. This canvas happened to have a pinkish background so I left it. Now to keep the coloring in mind that would mean darker values in the shadows and lighter values in the light.

The whole notan system has me thinking clearer. I look forward to more exploration of this method.

 Finished painting:

 "Just a Sip"

5 x 7

Oil on canvas

SOLD

"Scrambled Eggs Maker"

each canvas is 2 1/2" square

Framed in one, 4-holed frame

I have painted from the reference photo before but had lots of fun cropping it up to these bits. I think that may paint from other already used references too. I learn more each time I do it.

"My Cows Love the Shade"

24 x 30cm

oil on panel

SOLD

So often when I take my walk up to the park to see the Highland Cattle there I find them napping under the trees. I slowly work my way into their midst so as not to startle them and to let them know that I am a friend. If I could, I would actually go up and give them a big cuddle but I know that they would not put up with that so I have to just use my imagination and pretend that I do.

"Falling Fence"

3 x 5

Oil on panel

SOLD

The autumn sun shows at a lower and lower angle as the year gets old. This makes for some great photo opps and painting references. There are lots of these rickety old fences around in this part of England. You will see more paintings of some of them one of these days. Working this small not only gets a painting done faster but ends up teaching me more and more about painting in oils.

Cascade at St. Mary's Abbey

The Cascade at St. Mary's Abbey

24 x 30cm

Oil on panel

This painting is an iconic image in West Malling where I live. 218 years ago Turner also painted this. I love knowing that as I walk the road from my house to the village, I am walking in his footsteps. And doing the same view of the water just gives me tingles.

"A Stroll Through Englischer Garten"

9 x 12

Oil on panel

Late last winter Bob and I were in Munich. What a city! Easy to walk. Easy to understand the layout. One misty morning we woke up and took a walk through the Englischer Garten, which they say is bigger than Central Park. These riders were way off in the distance but were so compelling to watch. I have been wanting to do a foggy scene for a while and this one had a story that had mystery to it that drew me in. (Aside: There were also surfers in the river/stream that goes through this park - SURFERS!! I think it was a wave machine in one area that created enough for them to play on. )

Mooooo

Highland Cattle - Meal Time

24 x 30cm

oil on panel

SOLD

These beautiful cows are a 5 minute walk from my front door. They are part of a grazing program. After 6 months or so they will be moved to some other park to graze so I have to take advantage of them while they are here. This mother cow and her white calf are easy to distinguish from the rest. In fact, yesterday I was visiting them (again!!) and got to watch the mama licking the calf's face, grooming it. So sweet. Of course I didn't have my camera. Grrr. This breed of cows (Highland Cattle) must have something genetic in them that has them with their tongues out more often then any other cows I have seen. If I can capture a good overall photo of this you will see a painting or tow of it.

Peaking Out of the Woods

16 x 12

Oil on panel

In the middle of the open park area is a wooded area. Quite often you can find the cows scattered amongst the trees. When they first came here in August you could barely see them at times because they hadn't eaten the grasses down yet. They are easier to see now.

Figuratives

Noodle

7 x 5

oil on panel

SOLD

Free Range Chickens in the winter make for eye catching and different painting possibilities - especially when those chickens double as pets (sort of). Noodle is the calmest one of the 6.

Jenny

18 x 24cm

oil on panel

SOLD

On skype there is a way to take photos of the people you are talking to while you are talking. I loved the lighting that was going on during this conversation so I took loads of photos in hopes for this one. I had fun.

Puppy Love

9 x 12

oil on panel

SOLD

The love and emotional involvement that those closed eyes depict just screamed connection with this scene. I am not sure the dog is feeling the love - maybe a bit too much lovin' who knows - but I sure was.

Nap After a Float on the Pond

8 x 10

oil on panel

SOLD

Swimming in the pond can take it all out of you. I love how the hammock seems to swallow him up and cradle him to sleep.

Pregnant Pause

9 x 12 

oil on panel

Mommy is about to pop at any minute but still had plenty of patience and attention for #1 child. I love how the California sun hits them.

Cockerel at Round Oak Farm

The Young Cockerel

18cm x 24cm

oil on panel

SOLD

What is there about chickens that pulls one to paint them? Color, shape, odd elegance and grace? I saw all of them in this one.

Young Cockerel #2

24cm x 18cm

oil on panel
SOLD

I like looking for the colors within the black and white. 

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.

Highland Mama and Calf #1

"Highland Mama and Calf #1"

30 x 40 cm

oil on panel

SOLD

I am in love with the Highland Cattle. I not only have found a rancher here who raises them but they also move some about the park system here in England to be part of a grazing program so I have them at a distance of a 5 minute walk. They are beautiful creatures.
I recently found out that this cow had lost her first born in the birthing process and this is her #2. It would appear that motherhood is suiting her

Bea and Shana

"Bea", 8 x 10, oil on panel

SOLD

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

February 2011 Oils

"Sunshine" 9 x 12
SOLD

This is a significant painting for me because of it's looseness. I want ot do more paintings to explore the looser style.

"Slide" 8 x 10

"Wet Pants" 8 x 10
SOLD

Shadows and the weight of the wet pants. The posture too. That's what drew me to this one.

"Adoring Peck" 7 x 5
SOLD

I really like the close crop here. The whole thing was about the kiss and Mom watching baby and baby not really noticing it. Such love at this stage has to be adoration.

"Pippa" 10 x 8

Deep shadows, lost details. Lost edges. Gonna do more of this too. So much to experiment with and learn. I guess it is never done.

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

Traditional Work

These works done in oil have me further exploring complementary pallets for a more alive feeling.

Exploring the Winter Beach

8" x 10"
SOLD

Alpaca Next Door

10" x 8"

Old Mare

16" x 20"

Tail in the Sunlight

10" x 8"
NFS

Millie

8" x 10"
SOLD

Millie and Wobbly

8" x 10"
SOLD