Two paintings painted from trip photos from California

When I returned from an 18 day trip in California visiting family and taking a wonderful road trip with my sister…We stopped to rest in a little town south of Big Sur called Cambria. A small motor lodge on the ocean was so great and I had the joy of watching the sun go down in the Pacific. Because California was my home for half of my life, the trip was familiar. Since I live on a small island peninsula in Florida, the sun doesnt set in the ocean so this was a treat. “Cambria Rocks” and “Cambia Sunset” are both 30×40″ gallery wraps.

Bodysurfing at Sunset Painting

This impressionistic 24×36″ painting was inspired by the last series I completed.

Smaller version of my recent island paradise collection

Sailing into Sunset is 12×24″. I wanted to continue exploring the subject but a way smaller version. The other paintings were 36×48 and 24×36 which required much larger palette knives, and brushes. Since this was smaller, I had to use small knives and work tighter. But it has the same feeling as the larger ones. Also I wanted to make it much more colorful.

Anatomy of a painting

When returning from the West Indies artist retreat, I was totally inspired by the beautiful scenery and accomplished artists, that I could hardly wait to get back into my studio. I took one of my photographs as a reference and inspiration and have now completed 3 similar semi abstract expressionistic works. I am trying to break away from overworking. I used a couple very large brushes and 4 palette knives, made tubes of colored gesso mixed with plaster ground and put some island music on…. I sat there in my rocking chair for an hour and a half before even touching the white canvas. My mind was swirling with ideas and visions of what I wanted to do. Then once I started it was a passionate and energetic process. Hours and hours involved in a 2 day session of analyzing and dabbing thick paints on with knives. I actually was so thrilled by the results that I have since completed 2 similar paintings in the following week.

Paintings done after trip to West Indies

“Salt Plage Sunset” is 31×26 was painted from memories and photos from painting at Salt Plage, old salt mill north of Christophe Harbour and Marina. It was a lovely sunset and a lone sailboat rested in the bay. I did this one with palette knives.

Palms at Sand Bay

“Sunset Repose ST Kitts”   36×24″ gallery wrap.

Waterway Landscape

“Sunset View” was recently purchased by a lovely lady in Darien, Georgia. It is 15×30

Newest Ray painting

This 24×48″ gallery wrap painting features two eagle rays flying over the sandy bottom of the ocean. There are some gold highlights at the top of the painting for the afternoon sunset.

Semi Abstract painting will highlight a living room.

“End of the Race” was just sold to a couple at the beaches to display in their liivng room. It is 30×40″ and has multi textures from gauze, plaster, tinted washes, metallics and varnishes.

Tropical Landscape

“Paradise Lagoon” is 48×30″ gallery wrap and was an older work that I decided to update. As an artist, there are times where I feel that it is complete but on further inspection, new inspiration occurs. For more information, see my website: linda-olsen.pixels.com.

Larger Seascape ready for your beach decor

“Offshore Breeze” is a 40x30x1.5″ gallery wrap that needs no frame and adds some salt air to you beach themed den or living room.