A surfer's dream

What a ride! 24X36 oil

12x16 oil

12x16 oil

In January 2019, the waves at Ocean Beach near San Francisco reached 40 to 50 feet. My daughter's boyfriend, who is a life long surfer, headed down with some buddies to take advantage of the amazing surf. I asked her to send me some photos so I could do a series of surfer paintings. I was not disappointed. These are my first 3. For color and water patterns I referenced the photos loosely punching up the color and simplifying the spindrift somewhat. I did need the photos for the position of the surfers in the various phases of their rides. The spray and size contrast make for a dramatic image. I look forward to doing more in this series and am grateful to my west coast photo accomplice. The 2 smaller ones went in my suitcase to CA so they could each have one.

Surf's Up!

Roar of the Surf 30x40 Oil

     Visiting my daughter in CA always leads to a new painting. Her home at Seacliff in Aptos gives me constant access to the beautiful beach and surf. She works and I paint. When I get back to MA,  I use my photos and sketches to paint big. In this painting I wanted to portray a sense of the power of the waves as they crashed onto the shore. The surf, with it's multiple layers of waves and criss crossing currents, are fascinating to watch and they command a respect for the force they unleash. The sunlight provides a sculptural effect to the ephemeral forms as they roar in and transform into spindrift and then wash out again.  I used a limited palette with a cloudless sky so that the viewer would focus on the surf and the myriad subtleties of colors within the blues. I hope it evokes a sense of sound as one imagines the senses at this place and time.

Rhythm & Blues

"Rhythmic Blues" 9x12 gallery wrap

Daybreak Beach Stroll 16x20

Gentle rolling waves,  the advancing and receding patterns of the water, the light bouncing off the surface or shining through the crest of the wave all capture my attention. Mostly, I paint my impressions of it, as it  rapidly changes and is a fluid, dynamic experience.  Colors change with wind and clouds -and alter the patterns even in a moments time; sand churns up from the bottom and colors ebb and flow with the water,  but there is a consistency that is evident. It seduces me every time.

The Sea as Inspiration

Along The Marginal Way, Ogunquit, ME/private collection

Let's Boogie 6x6 oil

Big Surf/gallery wrap oil

Kathy and Emma/gallery wrap  oil

Beautiful dawn/private collection

Growing up on the beach in Old Rexhame, in a house that my grandfather built, provided me with an idyllic childhood that began my love affair with the ocean. I respected it's power, was in awe of it's beauty, and was mesmerized by it's abilty to bombard of all my senses at once.