Another Sakonnet Sunset, 14x18 oil

I'm now finished with #2 in my Sakonnet Sunset series.  The colors are SO not true, but the painting's at the (old) studio, where I worked on it today instead of packing.  I do this every time I'm moving.  I plan, then fiddle faddle around when I'm supposed to be packing, so I end up doing it all in a rush.  Anyway, till I can get the right lighting, here's the gist of it.  

My Sorolla 'Forgery', oil, 22x28

February is the month for the "Fakes & Forgeries" show at Spring Bull Gallery on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, RI.  This year I chose one of my favorite paintings by Joachin Sorolla, titled "Mother".  It not only depicts such a tender moment with a brand new baby, it's a study in subtlety.  I knew it would be difficult, but I didn't anticipate just HOW difficult.  I wish I'd had another week with the painting.  Anyway, it got a great spot hanging front and center at the show, I was very pleased.

I wish I'd been able to see the two images close together like this while I was painting it, oh, well....  It certainly is a learning experience when you copy from a master.  It is, however, still just copying, and when you paint alla prima you have to make each decision for yourself.. is it cooler or warmer, darker or lighter, is the drawing right?  Measure, measure, measure, and through all this, you learn.  

Sakonnet Sunset, oil, 22x28

This painting is hot off the easel.  I decided that since I am entranced at dawn and sunset by the light hitting the clouds, giving the skies glowing colors, I would paint a bunch of skies from my own view.  Here's #1.  I'll be putting it in the Members' Show at the North River Art Association, Marshfield, MA, which I have belonged to for a very long time.  It's a great group and they have a number of venues to display your work.  Anyway, hope you like it.