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"Smalls Falls, Rangeley, Maine"

" I painted this Impasto oil painting as a demonstration for my class at the Smalls Falls Rest Area south of the town of Rangeley in Maine, a few year ago. I painted from an excellent view right on the bridge overlooking the 25 foot segmented falls. The bottom of the falls consists of a 3-foot cascade falling into a 20-foot wide circular pool. Although this place holds extraordinary color, it can sometime be distracting to the marvelous shapes the falls have carved out of the rock. This black and white monochrome oil was painted using a warm and cool of two Williamsburg handmade colors, including: a warm Ivory Black, a Cool Indigo, a warm Flake White and a cool Titanium White. I also chose a Larson Juhl Foundry Iron plein air frame to bring out the subttle grays and powerful solid shapes of the falls as the water rushes through. The falls were unusually powerful and full that day because of the rain storms that passed through just days before. There were no swimmers due to the forceful currents even in the pools below. I used a descriptive bush stroke that describes form and lines of depth, perspective, and expressive monochromatic color shades that create a sense of depth and distance. I paint in an impasto style using multiple sized palette knives and a Black Oil Wax medium that the Italian masters used and that I make myself. I add it to the mixture of the oil paint to make it as thick as smooth peanut butter, increasing its viscosity and improving the color to a brighter velvety sheen. This painting is also painted on a highly prized Gypsum Gessoed (Alabaster stone-coated gesso) over solid kiln dried basswood panel, which I also make myself. This painting is high quality all the way down to the frame that will compliment the work like a jewel on your wall. Because of the high quality found in my work I do not accept returns. Careful attention has been given to deliver the highest standard in oil painting and packaging. I stand by my work. Serious collectors and people who have a heartfelt connection to my work should feel encouraged to place a bid. Best wishes, Enjoy!