The Depths, 7x5 Acrylic

I could have called this Abyss but The Depths sounds much friendlier. The word Abyss seems to imply a one-way trip, not the invitation to adventure in turquoise waters that I am trying to portray.  

Poppy Shadow, 6x6 Oil Painting on Canvas

PURCHASE

I wanted the sidewalk hot and the shadow cool in this poppy painting. It occurs to me that I have not painted a still life in a long time, but I'll get my chance next February at the Qiang Huang Workshop here in Melbourne. Maybe I should brush up a bit; however, I have been to so many beautiful places that I've been inspired to paint outdoor scenes lately. Qiang is a fantastic teacher--his method is well thought-out, and he is kind and patient.

Anyone interested in the workshop may contact me at hbeecher@earthink.net. The dates are Feb 22-24, 2014.

Sunrise in the Heartland, 8 x 8 Oil on Canvas

This was painted from a windshield photo of the stark fields along Highway 30 in Illinois. There are many Hopper-esque farmhouses in the middle of huge bare fields, and there was still a bit of snow on the edges of the road. Even barren, lonely cornfields have a melancholic sort of beauty.

 SOLD

Lydia at a Tapestry Loom, 24x18 oil on canvas

This is a direct copy of a Mary Cassatt painting done in the 1800s. My painting group, Pieces of 8, did copies of masters as a learning experience, and I went on to copy Sargent, Gauguin,Van Gogh and Homer. This was time very well-spent. My last post was a copy, too, which I neglected to mention.

 PURCHASE

Three of us Pieces of 8 members took Dianna Gessler's journaling workshop last Monday, and had a great time wandering around Cocoa Village sketching and painting. I am flush with ideas, and hope I remember them when I have some time! Check out our efforts by clicking here.  

The Graduate, 14x18 Oil on Canvas

The boys were wiggling, but look at the confident look on the girl's face. She is ready for the next step in her road to success.

PURCHASE