#409 'First Light, Langstone' 12x12"

I used a textured linen coloured board by Loxley. Not tried this type before, its quite rough and I think the subject work well with this style. 
Thinned the paint with Distilled Turps  - experimenting to see if it's any better than Winsor & Newton Sansodour which I usually use. Strong smell but I think I prefer the consistency. I added thick paint especially around the skyline of the trees - the important bit! Paying close attention tot he silhouetted shape of the boats not needing much details just get the shapes of them right.

3/4 of the way through, tide coming in, sun just up!

#407 'Emsworth Moorings' 10x12"

I tried painting this boat about 2 years ago when I first started plein air. I drew it out onsite but didn't really know how to tackle it so it was left unfinished. A tricky boat subject!

This time a bigger board and lucky with the refections. Although I had very little time to get them in as the wind picked up as the tide rolled in. So I finished in the studio which is sometimes helpful when a subject is harder there is more time and less panic that the subject is changing!

The side of the boat (hull) in shadow getting the tonal value not too dark and still warm as well, The top of the boat was quite blue - in shadow but also reflecting the sky. I'm pleased with how it turned out. 

#364 `Underway' 8x10" - Palette Knife Painting

This was a wonderful boat in Cornwall but sadly I didn't have my painting gear with me - we were about to see my Aunt. So I did 4-5 sketches of it and this painting is from one of them. 
I'd been saving this linen covered board for years, wanting to use it but unsure of how to tackle such a rough surface, I knew it needed a different approach to a smooth board. I thought this subject would lend itself to it. I decided to try loading thick paint onto it with a palette knife. I blocked most of it only taking 30 minutes. 
Would have been quicker but I was getting through my mixed paint so quickly - I must have used at least 3 times more than I normally painting with! 

This is the first stage, with colour swatches on the sails.

I then used the brush to refine some areas but I wanted to keep the feel of it loose and fresh. The subject worked with not putting in too much information.
I think this boats called a 'Cornish Lugger'?