Quenched

quenched, study | oil on wood panel | Flanegan

howdy!

Howdy - detail of a work in progress | oil on wood panel | Flanegan

Howdy - work in progress | 16" x 8" oil on wood panel | Flanegan

The Nutty Brown Cafe and Amphitheater is one of my favorite places in Austin and I've wanted to paint their sign for years. It turned out to be a rainy day - which is wonderful in Texas - but not so great if you're painting outside. The piece became a partial wiper and I drained the charge in my truck's battery while trying to keep my windows from fogging up...yes, I know what you're thinking.

But the good news far outweighed the bad news! My friend, who is an awesome mechanic and owner of Todd's Automotive, was nearby and kindly charged my battery. And though I need to revisit my cowboy's boots {they look a bit like ruby slippers at this point} I actually prefer the more abstracted background.

So it's a work-in-progress, but then again - aren't we all?

: )

Red Bud Rendezvous

Rendezvous | 8" x 16" oil on cradled wood panel in floating frame | Flanegan | $475

9 Dec: Given the photo above, I felt the need to include a detail shot with a better, more accurate representation of the color. Documenting this painting was a circus - glare issues and cool/bad light sources - a 43-shot opportunity for learning - yikes.

Rendezvous | detail 

Observing the crew's practice on Lady Bird Lake while painting, many memories came flooding back to me. I didn't row in college, but took a class when I moved to Austin. My co-worker became my rowing partner for many years. We, along with our other crew mates, did quite well in competing at Masters National and FISA Masters World regattas.

Rowing to Red Bud Island was my favorite workout. Surrounded by natural beauty, practice was more like a meditation in a single scull - the majestic cliffs on the south shore, the glimpses of wildlife and the sound of the water lapping the side of the boat with each stroke.

The dynamic between coach and athlete is a very special yet curious one. This detail reminded me of the times we'd take a water break and get feedback on rowing technique from our coach in the launch. The critique wasn't always pretty, but it was what we needed to hear. I cherish those times - many, many thanks to Maureen, Dave and Charles for their wit, wisdom and patience.

'Red Bud Rendezvous' will be included in the Plein Air Austin Exhibit at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport from 11 Dec - 23 Mar. The West Airside Gallery is by Book People across from Gate 11 and 12. So no gallery opening this time but if you're traveling through ABIA soon and have time between flights, enjoy!

Thank you Johnnie and Matt for making this show happen!

Clara and Dusty's Pool

Clara and Dusty's Pool | 6" x 8" oil on wood panel | Flanegan | sold

Every now and then a painting tells you where it belongs.