P.J. Cook artist

Blue and Yellow Still Life With Daisies

2012-01-26T08:42:00.000-05:00

This 12" by 16" oil painting on linen is a new still life that I am just finishing. Blue and yellow complement each other nicely as you can see in this flower still life. There are many different textures in this painting from the soft teddy bear to the ceramic blue pitcher. For more information on this daisy painting please contact me via email from the About Artist page. Thanks, P.J Cook

"Winter Light" Watercolor Painted as a Demonstration in my Class

2011-12-17T10:15:00.001-05:00

"Winter Light"

The watercolor shown here is a demonstration painting done at one of my recent watercolor classes. This painting is done using a pouring technique and then is finished with direct painting. The students worked along with me step by step while I was painting. Pouring paint is a different approach to watercolor painting and is usually new to people in the class and can be a lot of fun.

My next class starts Jan 14 through Feb 18, 2012 at Artisans Harbor in Old Saybrook, CT. Contact me via email through my About page here on this blog or Artisans Harbor directly 860-388-9070.

"Apples and Lace" Still Life

2011-10-27T07:59:00.000-04:00

"Apples and Lace" P. J. Cook

This watercolor has a fall season look with the apples and the colors. This still life includes old wooden paddles and a wood box with gold tole painted on the side. I set the objects on the lace for contrast. Notice how the light on the right side of the painting is warmer and brighter than the cool shadows on the left. The little pitcher has the lace reflected on the shiny surface.
Contact for more info on this painting or commissions.

Painting Watercolor Washes - Creating Mood in a Painting

2011-10-07T09:23:00.001-04:00

Here is a recent watercolor that I have completed of a foggy, grey day at the Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse located at the mouth of the Connecticut River in Long Island Sound. There is a small pond near Katherine Hepburn's old house in the Fenwick section of town that overlooks the lighthouse and that is what I have painted here in this watercolor.

In the watercolor class that I teach at Artisans Harbor in Saybrook , CT we have been practicing washes and the painting here I started with a nice grey wash of raw sienna first and then a mix of ultramaine blue and raw umber to create the moody background. This watercolor is all framed in a double off-white mat with a thin gold frame and can be viewed at Artisans Harbor on Main St. in Old Saybrook, CT or it can be shipped. The painting price is $250.

If you have any questions about the painting please send along an email.
Thanks, PJ

Oil Painting of Rocky Shore-Follow Along Step by Step As I Paint A Seascape

2011-09-05T10:32:00.000-04:00

As you can see I have changed the entire mood of the oil painting of a rocky shoreline. When you compare this post with the previous posts you can see the difference. Now the seascape has a sunset or twilight time of day and I like the feel or mood of the oil painting as I am progressing. I will now be working on the whole foreground area of the rock cliff and shallow water area. This area needs to be toned down to match the twilight lighting.

Painting Rocky Shore Seascape-Follow Along

2011-08-24T09:58:00.000-04:00

I have been painting the rocky ledge and the rocks along the water covering the red as I add more detail As you can see I have most of the canvas covered with a layer of oil paint. I continued painting the rocks until the background red was covered. The rocky ledge and the rocks along the water have the most detail therefore will take the most time.

This is the latest image of the Rocky Shore seascape. I will continue painting the ledge and the greenery before I go over the background with more paint. I can make adjustments in this next stage if I want to change the color or value of an area. Check back to see this seascape progress.

New Seascape Oil Painting Underway-View Each Step

2011-08-22T12:46:00.000-04:00

The canvas size is 18"x 24" for this oil painting of a rocky shoreline. My first step was to tone the entire canvas. I did this with a dark muted red oil paint. While it was still wet I used a rag to rub out some of the color. The first photo shows what it looked like when I finished this step. As you can see I have my composition and basic values on the canvas at this point.

The next day I was satisfied with the overall composition so I started painting the sky and background. As I moved forward in the painting I used warmer and darker and or more intense color.

Next I painted the water, some of the bacground color still shows through at this point. Notice how I changed the color and value of the shallow water in the foreground. I then started working on the rocky cliff. My next post will be a continuation of this seascape oil painting of a rocky shoreline.

Breaking Wave IV Oil Painting Finished!

2011-08-03T11:34:00.000-04:00

For my Breaking Wave IV in the ocean wave series of seascapes I have continued painting on canvas with oil paint. The painting is 10 inch by 20 inch stretched canvas. The first posting at the start of this painting was on June 7, 2011 and can be found here http://studio.pjcookartist.com/2011/06/starting-ocean-wave-iv-new-painting-in.html . Then again on June 18 there was an update as the painting was progressing.

As you can see in the photo I applied the paint quite heavy for the breaking wave by using a pallette knife. Below is a closeup of the 3 sandpiper birds running along the waters edge. By clicking on each photo a larger version of each image will appear if you would like to see it larger. Send me an email for more information on purchasing this oil painting.

"Seagulls Resting After Storm" Oil Painting Finished!

2011-07-27T08:51:00.000-04:00

Here is the finished seascape oil painting of 2 seagulls resting after a storm. One seagull has his beak tucked in under his wing and seems to be resting. I came across these 2 birds on a beach along Long Island Sound after a strong storm had just passed through.

The canvas size is 18" x 24" and I have a nice white washed wood frame with the same tone as the painting that complements the subject nicely. If you would like to purchase this original oil painting contact me at pj@pjcookartist.com. This painting can be seen at Artisans Harbor, 188 Main St. Old Saybrook, CT along with many other paintings and cottage furniture.

Large Oil Painting of Sun-setting at Watch Hill RI Carousel

2011-07-19T08:42:00.000-04:00

Watch Hill, Rhode Island oil painting.

The large oil painting on canvas of the sun-setting over the Watch Hill Carousel is finished. The canvas size is 40 inch by 40 inch with a overall size with the frame of 46 inches. If you have a large wall that needs a painting why not have a view of one of your favorite places - Watch Hill Rhode Island. The background has Napa Tree Point and the distant shoreline of the Stonington, Connecticut area . Send an email for further details on purchasing this oil painting at pj@pjcookartist.com.

Close-up view of carousel oil painting.

Watch Hill Carousel Sunset Oil Painting Almost Finished- See how it progressed

2011-07-08T08:25:00.000-04:00

Most recent photo of the Watch Hill Carousel oil painting. I have painted the foreground leaves and more architectural details to the buildings. I will continue glazing areas of the painting until I think it is finished.

I started this large 40"x 40" oil painting of the carousel or sometimes called the flying horses way back in October of last year. I often work on several paintings at once because I like to view the art over a period of time.

Here is a closeup of the people waiting in line to ride the carousel.

Refining areas in the carousel under the roof.

Still adding detail to the carousel area.

Starting to look like a sunset.

Starting to add color to the background.

The initial block in to establish the composition and values.

Oil Painting of 2 Seagulls Resting On the Beach - Almost Finished

2011-06-26T10:22:00.000-04:00

I am working on the oil painting of 2 seagulls resting on a beach. One of the seagulls is resting with his eyes closed while the other one is standing guard. At least that is what it looked like when I spotted these 2 gulls after a storm. They seemed to be resting after a strong, windy storm had gone through New England. Some seaweed had been wahed up with the waves during the storm.

I am still working on this oil painting. The painting has quite a bit of texture as you can see in the closeup of the seagull. I have more work to do with the water and the seagulls, and should be finishing this up in the next few days. The canvas size is 18" x 24" and I have a nice white washed wood frame that complements the subject. Check back in a few days to see this seascape oil painting finished.

Breaking Ocean Wave Series - Continuing Painting Four In Oil

2011-06-18T10:05:00.000-04:00

For my Breaking Wave IV in the ocean wave series I have continued painting on canvas with oil paint. The painting below is 10 inch by 20 inch stretched canvas.

In this stage I am working on the darks in the painting and when I finished that value I moved to the medium values in the water and the beach sand. I wanted texture for the beach sand so I dragged the loaded brush of oil paint across the canvas. In this painting I am working dark to light. Check back to see how I apply the light values and the details in this breaking wave oil painting.

Starting Ocean Wave IV - New Painting In Breaking Ocean Wave Series

2011-06-07T09:07:00.000-04:00

Start of new oil painting of breaking wave.

For my Breaking Wave IV I have started a painting on canvas. My first 3 paintings in this series have been in watercolor and I wanted to continue in this series using a different medium. The painting above is 10 inch by 20 inch stretched canvas. I have started the painting in acrylic to block-in the initial color and values. From here I will start painting in oil.

Check back in a few days to see the next step in this colorful seascape of a breaking wave.
Thanks, P.J. Cook

Ocean Wave III - New Watercolor In Breaking Ocean Wave Series

2011-05-27T07:38:00.000-04:00

Here is the third watercolor in the ocean wave series that I have been working on lately. My goal in this series is to portray the power and movement of breaking waves when you are standing close to the shoreline. It is amazing to hear the noise when waves crash on the rocks.
This watercolor seascape is 7" by 12" and is matted and framed in white and is currently on display along with the other paintings in this series in Old Saybrook, CT at Artisans Harbor on 188 Main Street. My next ocean wave painting for this series will be in acrylic or oil so check back to follow along.
Thanks, P.J. Cook

Painting 2 In My Ocean Wave Series - 10 inch by 13 inch Watercolor

2011-05-20T08:46:00.000-04:00

This is another recent watercolor I did of ocean waves breaking along a rocky shoreline. The size of this original painting is 10 inch by 13 inch. This is the second painting in my ocean wave series I started out painting in watercolor. I am currently working on waves breaking along a beach in acrylic paint. I may add a sand piper bird running along the sand in this newer painting. Check back to see how that painting progresses. Thanks

New Watercolor Painting of Ocean Wave With Wind Blown Spray

2011-05-05T19:51:00.000-04:00

Seven by twelve inch watercolor.

Here is a small watercolor I did recently of an ocean wave from Rhode Island's Beavertail State Park. I painted this as a small study for a possible larger painting in oil. The wind was blowing the spray off the tops of the breaking waves and I tried to show that here in this watercolor. The painting is 12 inches by 7 inches.

Nice Watercolor Painting of a New England Barn and Horse

2011-04-14T13:30:00.000-04:00

Mile Creek Barn

This is a watercolor that I recently finished of a small barn near where I live in Old Lyme, Connecticut. The overall size is 17 by 15 inch and is in a nice double mat and wood frame. We have been practicing wood grain and stonewall textures in my Sat. afternoon watercolor class in Old Saybrook. This painting has the wood grain in the barn and a stone foundation along with grass texture in the foreground.

Original Watercolor - $250.
Can be shipped
Email for more details

P.J. Cook

Oil Painting of Watch Hill, RI Merry-Go-Round Almost Finished

2011-03-01T08:38:00.000-05:00

When you compare this image with previous photos of this oil painting you can see the various stages of completion. If you look at earlier posts you can see how this painting has progressed. I am still working on the details around the carousel including the people and the roof of the merry go round. Don't forget this is a 40 inch by 40 inch oil on canvas so it takes some time to paint something this size.

Another project I am working on is a 4 foot by 7 foot stretched canvas. The painting is going to be a marine chart of the Branford, Connecticut shoreline. The colors are a dark blue and white. Check back to follow along with each stage of the painting. Also I should be finishing the oil of the New England merry-go-round at Watch Hill, Rhode Island.
Thanks

Painting the Detail on Watch Hill Merry Go Round Oil Painting on Canvas

2011-02-25T08:44:00.000-05:00

The Watch Hill, Rhode Island oil painting of the merry go round and Napa Tree Point is coming along. I am working on the detail around the carousel area. Adding more detail to the carousel itself and the kids riding the merry-go-round. The photo below is just a small area on this large 40 inch by 40 inch oil painting on canvas.

This Saturday from 4:30 - 7pm is a gallery opening with art demonstrations at Artisans Harbor in Old Saybrook. It's a free event and a unique way to enjoy your happy hour on Saturday evening! I will be demonstrating watercolor painting during the opening. My next watercolor class starts March 19th here at Artisans Harbor 188 Main Street in Saybrook, CT
Hope to see you Saturday!

P.J. Cook

http://www.theday.com/article/20110224/ENT16/302249854/-1/zip06details

Update on the Watch Hill Carousel Oil Painting

2011-02-17T20:01:00.000-05:00

I have been working on the Watch Hill, Rhode Island flying horse carousel oil painting again. This carousel is a New England favorite for so many people, it really is a beautiful spot.

I have more of a sunset glow in this shoreline painting now. If you compare my last post http://continuing-oil-painting-of-flying-horse.html on this painting you can see the difference in the colors. I have also started the foreground leaves in the lower right. I still have quite a bit of work to do in the foreground area and the carousel. I will be adding the detail under the roof of the carousel last. Remember this is a big oil painting - 4 feet by 4 feet.

Contact me for further details. Thanks

Watercolor Demonstration in Old Saybrook During Gallery Opening

2011-02-08T08:19:00.000-05:00

A watercolor demonstration by artist PJ Cook.

This photo was taken while I was giving a watercolor demonstration at Artisans Harbor during the last gallery opening in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. The next demo will be on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., where there will be several artists giving demonstrations. Artisans Harbor is at 188 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT.

This is an excerpt from The Day Newspaper /www.theday.com/article:

On Saturday, Feb. 26 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., several demonstrations are planned. Bernard McTigue will give an oil painting demonstration; P.J. Cook will give a watercolor demonstration; Carole Young will share her glass painting technique; John Houle will demonstrate his woodburning scrimshaw technique; and Kathy Citron will throw vessels on the potter wheel. McTigue, Cook, and Citron all teach classes at Artisans Harbor. Wine, cider, and appetizers will be served.

Almost Finished Pink Lily Flower Watercolor Painting

2011-02-04T07:59:00.000-05:00

I have started painting the flower centers on the pinkest flowers that are in the middle of the watercolor. This is a closeup of the flowers where I am working now. These are also my focal point in the painting. For the flower centers I have used new gamboge yellow, cobalt blue, brown madder, burnt sienna and cad orange for the watercolor paints.

I have been sharing this painting with my watercolor class in Old Saybrook, CT every Sunday. Each week I bring it in to show the class how I am progressing on the watercolor and answer any questions on how I may have painted a particular area. This Sunday I hope to have the finished painting to show the class. If you want more information on watercolor classes send me an email. My next post will have the finished painting so check back to see it! Thanks.

Painting Pink Lily's In Watercolor, Warm and Cool Colors

2011-01-28T08:23:00.000-05:00

When you compare the previous posts studio.pjcookartist.com/2011/01/next-step-in-lily-flower-watercolor with this one you will notice that I have added more and more detail to the background and the flowers and buds. This is a large painting so it will take some time to complete large detailed areas.

As I am painting I keep in mind that I want the right side of the painting to be warmer than the left side. The light source is coming from the right and I want the painting to reflect that. I have worked with thalo blue and cobalt blue on the left side of the watercolor painting to keep it cool. The leaves with brighter yellow color is sap green. The warmer light of the sun is hitting them and I have accomplished that by having cool areas and warm areas in the painting.

Next Step In Lily Flower Watercolor, Painting the Background

2011-01-23T11:15:00.000-05:00

When you compare this photo with the two previous photos in the earlier posts shown below you can see that I have covered most of the white paper. The painting is coming together, I can see the mass of lily flowers, the leaves and the background. I have more detail on the left side of the background verses the right where I have suggested flowers and leaves. I did that out of focus look on the right background area by painting that area wet into wet.

I will continue adding more detail but still stepping back and seeing the painting as a whole. Right now I can see my focal point clearly and that is the two flowers in the bottom center of the painting. They stand out from the others because they are bolder in color and have more detail. Remember I still have the masking fluid on the detailed centers of each flower. I will not remove that until I am almost finished with the watercolor painting.