Robie Benve Art

"Boats of Antibes" 15" x 30" (38.1 cm x 76.2 cm) Acrylic on Canvas (click image for bigger version) Boats of Antibes has been a personal challenge for two reasons: the big size - at least for my standards - and the fact that I let my instincts guide me in choosing the colors and the brushwork. I started the painting looking at the reference photo on my monitor screen, then closed it and balanced my visual memory and my feelings, other than trying to be realistic. My goal was to make it personal, trying to let my intuition lead me.  I imagined there was a big cloud that makes half of the harbor shady, and getting the values right has been tricky. To help with the values I took photos of the painting and desaturated them in my computer. Looking at the black & white version really helps spotting value problems. Now I think I’m pretty happy with it, and can finally post it and move on to the next personal challenge. The reference photo is

I just came back from a family vacation, eight wonderful days in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Beach, sun, food, drinks.  Ahhhh, the life! Needless to say no time to paint. I didn't even pretend I was going to, in fact I just brought a sketch pad and pencils. Turns out it has been a week full of fun and activities, and my art tools did not make it out of the hotel room. However, while waiting at the airports, I kept myself entertained making quick sketches of few fellow passengers. On the plane I found some interesting images on the Airline's magazine, and sketched those too.  :) I loved making use of that otherwise boring time at the airport and plane!  PS: I brought coloring and writing activities for my kids too, which kept them busy scribbling, so they did not drive daddy crazy. :)