Painting first layer of color

Yesterday I finished the first layer of painting. When completely dry the second layer will add darker glazes and highlights to accentuate the lighting. All the painting will be done with artist's oil paints over three layers of gesso.

I have named the horse "Freedom". Children and adults at the carousel watching or riding the horses and listening to the music soon become free of all distractions. The carousel and the horses are Americana. America is a very free country. The soldiers of the country have given us that freedom and many were wounded or died. The Purple Heart Medal is the inspiration for the color scheme.

Sculpting this carousel horse has been one of the most rewarding things I have done.

Sculpture

I have long wanted to work with sculpture. Last month I started on a carousel horse. Within a few weeks the carving should be finished and the painting will begin. More on this as work progresses.

Plain Air Painting

Today I did a painting at Clinton Beach, CT and Sunday one at Meig's Point Beach, Madison, CT.
Have joined the Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society and will attend a paint out in Roxbury, CT. on Monday the 11th, May.

Retooled

Just about finished retooling my pochade box to handle 14x18" panels. Now I can use 9x12, 11x14 and 14x18" panels. Have been looking forward to using a larger panel outdoors.

Like so many others I enjoyed a workshop with Charles Sovek. His passing is indeed a loss to the art community.

Welcome to my blog

My name is John A. Montemerlo. I am an artist living in Clinton, CT. My prefered medium is oil painting. I also do etchings, monoprints, woodcuts and silkscreen. The work will be posted when completed. Landscape paintings, still life, and portraits will be posted as art for sale. My techniques and ideas about painting and art will be posted and look for your comments and to open discussions.