Friday, February 26, 2016

Woman in a Blue Bikini - sold


Oil on hardboard panel, 7"x5"

This painting expresses the essence of a beautiful day at the beach...the brilliant light, sharp shadows and dazzling colors of sea and sand. I like how the golden hue of the sand and the cool blues of the water are echoed in the girl's hair and skin and bright turquoise bikini. 

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Man in a Hot Tub - sold


Oil on hardboard panel, 10"x8"

This painting is a combination of figure study and portrait with a water element...several things I really enjoy. The movement of the water was a great challenge to paint, as was the wet skin and hair. There's something calming yet lively about this painting.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Man at the Beach - sold


Oil on hardboard panel, 7"x5"

Another beach study, this time a man walking in brilliant turquoise water. I love this one because the water looks so warm and inviting. I really got into the wet skin reflections and I was pleased that my brushstrokes stayed distinct and spontaneous.



Sunday, February 14, 2016

Woman in the Waves - sold


Oil on gessoboard panel, 7"x5"

I like the hesitant quality of this woman's stance as she looks out at the water. The water might be a bit cold or the waves look a little rough and she's just not ready to dive in. I also enjoyed that first day at the beach sunburn on her shoulders which pops against the cool tones of the foam and contrasts with her still-pale lower half. I'd be quite happy to be sunburned on a warm beach right now.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Woman in Bathtub - sold


Oil on gessoboard panel, 7"x5"

I love painting the highlights on shiny wet skin. This is one reason why bathers and people at the beach are favorite themes of mine. I was pleased to find some colorful reflections in the highlights on this figure.

Joaquin Sorolla is one of my favorite painters and a master of painting wet skin. His beach paintings are simply wonderful and I aspire to one day have that level of accurate yet expressive freedom in my brushwork.

Copyright © Pat Kelley. All rights reserved. 


Sunday, February 7, 2016

Monet's Waterlily Pond - sold


Oil on Canvas, 10"x8"

This is a view I painted of Monet's waterlily pond. In addition to his beautiful paintings Claude Monet also created an amazing garden on his estate at Giverny from which he drew inspiration. This incredible artist not only created masterpieces based on what he saw in the world, he brilliantly shaped his own surroundings to express his vision. It was surreal to physically be inside a Monet painting. As a painter and garden enthusiast I am deeply grateful to Monet for his legacy.

Monday, February 1, 2016