Circus Vargas Ticket Booth

I painted this early afternoon as the light was shifting from left to right. The sky was mostly cloudy and it was a typical May day in Ventura with some fog and haze. This is a work in progress as there is so much drawing that needs to be addressed. 11x14 oil/canvas

Circus Vargas With Palms

I am looking for ways to explore the circus with unconventional views. I am trying to tone down the colors and find ways to bring the local elements into the compositions.  11x 14" oil 

Circus Vargas Workway

I challenged myself in this painting with some drawing and perspective problems. It is a work in progress and I like to wait a few days to let the oils dry and have a fresh view of the painting. 

Circus Vargas Front Entrance

This is a straight on view which the challenge was to lead the viewer into the format. It is a busy mess of color and flat planes. I should have tried something simple, but I have learned as much from mistakes as successes. 

Circus Vargas With Ventura Hillside

Another 12 x 12 oil of the overcast May day in Ventura. I might go back in and cool the sky down in order to have it recede in the painting. This is about a 45 minute sketch.on a cool morning after checking the surf.

Here's my palette setup. I usually have a warm and cool of each primary, a couple earth hues, several whites and ivory black. I certainly need them for circus and carnival paintings.

Circus Vargas 2017

Circus Vargas, Overcast day 11x14" oil  I love to paint bright colorful images on a cloudy day. Here is the first of many from the circus. It's been great working at this location where I have a chance to meet the performers and go the shows.  This is the first post in some time, because I have beenworking on a series of studio paintings and traveling outside of Ventura County.