It's been a topsy turvy fall here with bouts of very mild weather juxtaposed with some chilly days and a few snowflakes. When the weather cools down and the allure of working outdoors on my painting or in my garden lessens, I find it easier to focus on big projects in my studio. Right now, I'm working on custom commissioned pieces for several clients and I thought I'd share with you a peek at one of the projects.
I was asked by a Penn State College of Engineering alum to create a series of works highlighting the beautiful campus in State College, Pennsylvania during the fall. Since moving to this area back in 2004, I've been dazzled by the gorgeous autumn foliage of both the town and the surrounding state parks, so this idea appealed to me.
We began working together earlier this year to identify subjects and compositions that were meaningful to him. I like to give people some options when they approach me with an idea, so in this instance I created a series of black and white sketches first. From there, we identified the best compositions and I created initial color studies. Following some minor adjustments based on client feedback, these color studies will become the basis for the larger, final paintings that I'll complete in the coming winter months.
Shown here are the initial black and white sketches for a couple of the compositions we selected: the Nittany Lion Statue on the Penn State University campus and the Old Main administrative building on campus. If you'd like to commission a custom painting, you can contact me through my web site. Happy Holidays!
Initial black and white study featuring a composition of the Penn State Nittany Lion statue.
Second black and white study featuring a composition of the Penn State Nittany Lion statue.
Color Study 12 x 18 oil on canvas of the selected composition that will serve as the basis for the larger final painting.
Initial black and white study featuring a composition of Old Main on the Penn State University campus.
Second black and white study featuring a composition of Old Main on the Penn State University campus.
Color Study 12 x 16 oil on canvas of the selected composition that will serve as the basis for the larger final painting.
