San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. 8"x 8". oil on linen. Oct 22. 2011

The weather has been nicely in San Francisco lately. Last Saturday I went to the beach near by San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. I actually don't know what the beach's name is. It's usually filled with people. I knew for me it was better not to paint those people at the first attack of the scene I'm not familiar with, especially when painting in a limit time. After finish this painting, I was a little surprise that it turned out alright and I kind of like the composition.

Washington Square, San Francisco

Washington Square, San Francisco, 9x7, oil on canvas. Oct 17, 2011.

I have been wanting to paint this scene since the first day I took the school shuttle and passed this park about one and half year ago. I decided it was finally time to paint this scene early this week. Those trees were really beautiful. I stood in front those tall trees and was unsure about how to capture the moment. I had less than an hour to paint the light on the trees before sunset. It was really a challenge and I think I learned something from this experience. I really had a lot of fun and I'm thinking about going back to paint it again.

Ballet Dancer

From life 2 hrs.  Oil. 16x12.  Sept 13th, 2011

“There are moments in our lives, there are moments in a day,
when we seem to see beyond the usual.
Such are the moments of our greatest happiness.
Such are the moments of our greatest wisdom.
If one could but recall his vision by some sort of sign.
It was in this hope that the arts were invented.
Sign-posts on the way to what may be.
Sign-posts toward greater knowledge.”
-- Robert Henri

A great quote explaining what I wish to achieve with my artworks.

What's on my easel?

oil on canvas. 30 x 20 inches (painting in progress)

This painting is still in progress. I visited Seattle, WA last month and did some plein air while I was there as well. The Kirkland lake is one of my favorite places around Seattle. It's hard to find this kind of scene in San Francisco. There were bunch of people at the lake yet all the busy crowds created a harmonious and balance feeling somehow. Nature is the best designer.  Hope to finish it by September.

Little Girl with Toy Cars

     

oil on linen. 28 x 22 inches

My intent for this painting is to focus on the expressive brushwork and composition. I hope to bring out the character of the little girl by using the contemporary subjects and at the same time still maintain the beauty of oil painting. The place I depicted in this painting is outside of 901 Columbus Coffee Shop at San Francisco, near AAU Chestnut Fine Art building. The little girl was playing with toy cars with her friend. I felt touched by the little girl at that moment and decided to paint the scene and keep the impression. 

Below picture is the study work of "Little Girl".

oil on canvas. 14x11 inches