Using the Sword Brush

In this study the leafless tree branches contribute greatly to the mood of the painting; I used a sword brush a.k.a striping brush to paint them.

Misty Trail

Notan in Reds

In this exercise the intent is to keep the masses of color as abstract as possible and we stop when the shapes begin to 'read' as trees. Gouache on Strathmore mixed-media paper.

Autumn Abstraction

Notan -Design and Strength of Abstract Shapes

Here is an example of how to let the notan, instead of detail, dominate the scene.

High-Mountain Meadows

Landscape by the Sea

This piece was a demonstration for my students. Gouache 8x10 inches on watercolor paper.

Off Highway 1. California Coast.

Dolomiti Italia

This is a view from a place somewhere in Northern Italy. Gouache on 8x10 in. watercolor paper.

Alpine Shelter

I have also included the original sketch of the house.

Pencil Sketch

When Autumn Arrives

A small 8x10 gouache painting.

Autumn Creek

Gouage on Watercolor Paper

The beauty of the tree is in the abstract patterns created by the leaves.

Dramatic Light

Abstraction

Mixed media study with gouache and pastels.

Study in Reds

Strong Design

The more I paint the more I realize the importance of a strong abstract design -the notan. Here is an example.

Treetop Blaze

From Dark to Light in Gouache

This small piece was painted the opposite way I normally do with watercolors. I placed the dark areas first and then worked my way out to the lightest tints in the middle to give the impression of strong sunlight.

Shores of Lake Como, Nesso, Italy

Color Sketches

Color comps for larger works. Gouache on mixed media paper.

Color Composition