February 19, 2010

"warm up exercise"

Oil on museum quality ampersand gessobord panel 6" x 8"

It seemed appropriate that I paint ice today since I have been looking at, shoveling, blowing and chipping snow and ice for the past two weeks. I live just north of metropolitan Baltimore and we recently had back to back blizzards. Two feet of snow followed a week later by two more feet of snow. Today was good fun shoveling the snow from the roof of my new house as water dripped down from a speaker in the ceiling. Is it any wonder that I haven't done much in the studio? I thought painting these colorful little guys would get me get back into the swim of things.

8 comments:

Alice Thompson said...

I do love the way you paint these two elements. I had no idea that you've been working in the cold. I'm gonna have a try at painting ice and fish one of these days. The last time I went through Seattle I snapped up some reference material from Pike Place-the farmers market. I don't know if you gave the self portrait challenge a try but it was kinda tough for me. I promise next month will perhaps spark more interest.
I see you couldn't resist giving us a little blood.

Mark Adams said...

I have until the 21st for the self portrait, don't I? I've been wrestling with the color. Purple is my favorite color but red is more visually dynamic.

As far as the blood goes - Gene Fowler said it best - "Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead." Painting that first painting after a break is a bit like that.

Diane said...

Truly "ice fishing"! these two seem to be swimming their way up an ice chuck stream...

Paintings by Irit Bourla said...

Great piece.
Sending some warm weather from Calif.

Mark Adams said...

Bless you, Irit. We can use the warm wishes.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Diane. Has Stephen been ice fishing this year? Fisherman that he is, he must be going stir crazy with this weather.

Dean Grey said...

Beautiful job on this, Mark!

So many colors in the flesh of these fish!

Love it!

-Dean

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Dean. I appreciate the kind words.