St. Peter Paul | 30×40 | Oil on Linen

Inspiration for St. Peter Paul

I loved this scene of the St. Peter Paul specifically because of the warm tones as the late-afternoon sun poured its rays over the marina and carried on to light up the clouds and sky in a brilliant array of blue, purple, and dusky oranges. This time of day is often referred to as the “Golden Hour,” and anyone can see why. Colors deepen and grow warmer, and the whole world seems tinged with a friendly golden glow.

There are two general aspects that continually draw me to paint shrimp boats. First, the variously complex textures, and second, the beautiful reflections in the water. Both facets present an opportunity for wide variations in paint application. From bristle brushes to soft-haired brushes to palette knife, from curvaceous flowing strokes to short geometric strokes to scratching and cutting strokes, I find a great deal of pleasure going at the canvas and working out the best ways to represent these components.