Brushstrokes in Balance
I was after the sheet of light that collected along the shore. This is one of those paintings that seem to paint themselves but in the end what I like most about this small sketch is the balance of brushstrokes. The panel is neither too fussed over nor overly stylized with self-conscious dabbing and the strokes that are used -- light catching on the grass, shadows at the lower right and silhouetted fencing -- are descriptive and lead the eye in a nice rhythm around the composition.

©2006 DOUG RUGH. Artwork may not be reproduced without permission.