Oil on Canvas 42"x54"
In 2003, when I first endeavored to paint seascapes I sorta fell flat. My first effort was nothing like I had hoped it would be, but I learned one of the first and most important rules about painting water--you can't do it from a studio miles from any natural water. You have to get out there at, or even better, on the water.
So on a trip back home to DC, I went over to Haines Point at East Potomac Park. I stood by the rails and stared into the water, focussing on the rhythm of the waves, motion of the currents, the twinkles of sunlight. I took several photographs and later sketches. Then I purchased the largest canvas I've worked on and went about a study--a sincere focus on the minutia of water that despite being minute, is very important to notice and record in order to make a convincing piece. This study, and the lesson I learned has been invaluable to every maritime piece I've done since then.
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