Hot Off the Easel

First Light on Yuba 

30 x 40, acrylic on canvas

James English Babcock © 2010

I began several paintings at the beginning of 2010, subject matter related to my 2009 Fall vacation spent along the Yuba River here in Northern California. Shown here is the first of three paintings I have been working on throughout the year, and I have just finished tying upon loose ends on this one, First Light on Yuba. 

I have always been captivated by the first light of day, so I make it a priority to get up before dawn just to catch that glorious moment, and early morning light upon the North Fork of the Yuba River is incredible. I'm pleased with this piece, but not so with the image I have posted here. I think the next time I'll give myself a little more time before I'm so quick to post a finished piece hot off the easel.  There's a BIG difference in having a painting professionally photographed compared to my indoor photo work, and for all my learning there's still  a lot of room for improvement. Perhaps I'll re-post a new image once I have a pro take his shot at it. 

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this new work as much as I do. Oh, and by the way,  follow the link to related post regarding the inspiration behind this piece from last years vacation painting experience, Dusting off the Ole' Outdoor Easel.

Artist Showcase

I have been using D'Orazio Digital Imaging for several years for all my giclee reproduction work and portfolio images. Owner, Bud D'Orazio has recently added a new link  to his website titled, Artist Showcase. Take a moment to visit this link and check out the work of others artists who use his services as well. Bud's workmanship is far above excellent and working with him is always a pleasure. Quality workmanship, quality individual!

Artist Showcase Link

Capturing Autumn Light

Autumn is a incredible time in California's Yosemite Valley. In the Fall of 2007, my cousin David and I set out for our annual outdoor excursion. He and I hadn't been in a number of years to the Valley, and normally this would have been our yearly backpacking trip somewhere higher in the Sierras. Instead, we opted for a roadtrip as our quest to capture photographically some of the Valley's awesome fall color was of more interest this time around.

Needless to say, we were knocked off our feet upon arrival. Yosemite has a way of doing that to you, regardless. But, this time of year fully dressed in Fall's lovely warm palette certainly testifies to nature's incredible ability to showcase its beauty.

Nature has a direct affect on why I paint. Everything I see with the eye and every emotion I experience is captured by my camera's lense. It's a photographic journal of my travel experience, giving me ongoing inspiration for my art. Usually, I am hard pressed in getting back to the studio after such an experience; the inspiration burns in me until I set my brush in motion. The image posted in this journaling, Cascading Reflections, is a direct result of this trip. In 2008, I also produced several more large oil paintings, highlighting favored moments spent in this sacred National Park.

Through the Eyes of James English Babcock

I love the outdoors, and spend a lot of time in the backcountry of both Sonoma County and the Sierras. It's true that nature is God's art work, and that's a tough act to follow. But, painting nature as I see it, full of color and detail; giving one the sense of actually being there, is what I want to achieve as an artist.

As a self taught, landscape artist; with a focus towards realism, I paint from a multitude of photographic images from my hiking adventures. At the heart of Wine Country, here in Northern California, vineyards heighten the beauty within my local surroundings. Although, the rolling hillside vines will always be a part of what I paint, with so many artists painting vineyards, I turn more of my attention to the back roads of this lush countryside. Old barns, sheep, horses and cattle are abundant along the fertile hills; the intermingle of it all creates great art.

Another favorite of mine is the Russian River, as it winds its way slowly through the valley, projecting incredible reflections of the area onto its waters. And of course, one cannot paint the local landscapes without including our beautiful coastal region. Ultimately, "I like creating art that you never get tired of looking at; art that you can enjoy and see something new in the painting everyday."