Road trip -- Plein Air Paint Out / art vacation!

Next week, starting Monday, Nov 4th -- I am planning an 'Art vacation! (mini trip/getaway from Monday to Friday)'

As previously mentioned, my projects at work are wrapping up (after 2.5 yrs on Ryse!) -- and I'm finally taking some time off to re-invigorate myself! ..and what better way to do this than a road trip combined with Art!

My plan is to drive down the Pacific Coastline -- from Seattle to the Oregon area.. and do plein air painting along the way! I have a cabin in Cannon Beach that I'll be staying at for 3-4 days and using that as 'Base Camp' -- and painting various subject matter in that area, as well.

here is a map of the location:

During the evenings, I'll be relaxing -- reading my art books (Richard Schmid's 'Alla Prima II', etc) and also doing some sketchbook drawing. I also plan on visiting the local Art Galleries in Cannon Beach, doing some hiking and spending time on the beach -- enjoying the sights/sounds of the ocean.

I will be updating my Blog daily -- with photos, updates, etc.. so please check back and visit my Blog for updates on my trip and to view new artwork, etc.

Chad

Work update (my 'Day job' as an Art Director at Microsoft Studios)

I've been hard at work, for my 'day job' -- working on several video games for the Xbox One, that will launch on Nov 22nd! (the games are: Ryse and Powerstar Golf) -- my role has been Art Direction for these titles.. working with the developers (Crytek = Ryse and Zoe Mode = Powerstar Golf) along with internal folks at my company, Microsoft Studios. I'm really excited for the World to see/play these games!

Here is some more information on them:

Ryse

“Ryse: Fight for Rome” – a cinematic trailer that sets up the story of Ryse:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnce_mKlmpw

“Path of Vengeance” TV Spot – this is our full :60 TV commercial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axz0r3Frd5U

“Forging the Armor and Weapons in Ryse: Son of Rome” – this video features master swordsmith Tony Swatton (aka “Man at Arms”) creating a highly authentic replica armor and sword set:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kqgLcSTgV8

Powerstar Golf

Announce Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DInXxizDhY

Marymoor Park - study #1

I pass by this park everyday (to and from work at Microsoft, in the Seattle area) and today I brought my plein air supplies to capture the fall foliage/colors. I hope to do several more of these over the next 2 weeks -- Fall is disappearing fast!

Oils on canvas (8x10) -- 45 minute study

(click on image to view a larger version)

Plein Air painting

Lately I've really been focused on my traditional skills -- painting, drawing, etc

I'm currently experimenting with various techniques and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, gouache and oil pastels) -- even doing some 'mixed media' experiences that show promise (stay tuned!)

I'm also really enjoying being outside in the great outdoors --> and doing plein air painting! (I love it!) -- to be outside, smelling the air.. feeling the breeze and seeing the local colors -- really invigorates a person! (especially when my day job is spent inside -- usually at a desk/on a computer!)

I have such appreciation for plein air landscape painters -- and I find myself really wanting to learn more! (it's so addicting, once you get started!)

The images that I'm posting today are from a recent plein air trip (to a local stream in my town of Sammamish, WA) -- here is a map link of the area: http://goo.gl/maps/xqSw9

The study was done in Gouache  (I actually prefer the final quality of oils (in regards to paint), but gouache is fun to work with -- especially for studies. Essentially I treat it as 'opaque watercolor' -- and it's easy to transport for plein air (just a few tubes/water and palette and you are all set!) -- everything I have fits in a small back pack that i keep in my car with me at all times. Check out James Gurney -- (YouTube videos) and how he uses Gouache.. what a master! -- that's my inspiration!! (to get that good!)

'Small Creek in Sammamish, WA' -- 1.5 hr plein air study done using Gouache on 8x10 canvas panel

(Click on the image to view larger version)

(Click on the image to view larger version)

the Colors of Fall #2

'the Colors of Fall #2' - digital painting

Love this time of year! ..really enjoy the opportunity to paint with such wonderful colors. This is #2 in a series of landscapes I'm working on. 

done using a Surface Pro (Win PC) and Art Rage software

(Click to view a larger image)

'The colors of Fall #1'

'the Colors of Fall #1' - digital painting

Love this time of year! ..really enjoy the opportunity to paint with such wonderful colors. This is #1 in a series of landscapes I'm working on. 

done using a Surface Pro (Win PC) and Art Rage software

(click on the image to view a larger version)