Soaring

'Soaring' 

6x6 oil on panel
SOLD

I snapped a few shots of these seagulls wheeling and diving gracefully above the Vince Lombardi Rest Area on one of our drive by's. I cropped the ones I wanted to paint and focused on giving the composition a sense of movement. I've also been sketching pelicans, which are most interesting birds. Teradactyl-like, they cruise over the Gulf in the late afternoon and are fantastic divers. Meanwhile, gale winds and low temps here in Southwest Florida today, are keeping all but the most intrepid beach goers away from the shore. 

Storm Swarm

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Perhaps it has something to do with Hurricane Bill which is bringing us stormy seas and humid breezes, but my reference for this painting was nothing like what turned out here. I added the birds, placing them in my initial sketch so that they would show through the sky later on and keep their nice edges. The focus is on the light, momentarily breaking through a cloud striking the side of the lighthouse. The birds give it motion. I actually like it.