Snack for Two

Snack for Two
Oil • 12" x 16"
Available • To inquire,
Contact the Clague Studio

Welcome back, everyone! Yesterday, I finally finished a painting that I began several months ago. I started the picture from life with the aid of Matt, a seasoned model who was terrific to work with. He had a great facial expression that suggested to me that he could be preparing a surprise snack to share with a girlfriend--hence the title, "Snack for Two."

For me, the most exciting part of this painting was trying to capture the beautiful harmonies of violets and maroons that were present under the cool window light we used. I tried to complement these hues with some greens (Some of which are much more subtle than the bottles and apple, so you'll have to look to find them).

I tried to call attention to the hands by reserving the most intense colors for the nearby apple and orange. To keep these colors unsullied, I used a clean paint knife rather than my dirty brush when mixing them up on my palette. Furthermore, I strove to make minimal alterations after laying down each stroke. I must admit, it took more than one try to make the fruit look the way I wanted :).

Until next time, happy painting! --Adam

Detail

The Red Hood

The Red Hood
Oil on linen • 12" x 14" • Sold

I had a great time painting the double lighting in this portrait. When rendering a subject under more than one light source, I try to make one light dominant so they won't compete with each other. In this case, the cool window light from the viewer's right is stronger than the warm bulbs from the left.

I tried to emphasize the reds in this picture by using three strategies:  
1 limiting my overall color range to include (mainly) just the red family and its two neighbors on the color wheel, the orange and violet families;  
2  subduing every color except red. Too many intense colors will compete with each other and weaken a painting's overall impact;  
3 reserving my most intense red color for just one spot (the model's shoulder). I had great fun applying pure cadmium red medium with my palette knife to define the sharp edge of the hood overlapping the shoulder.

Have a great day everyone! --Adam

Plein Air Paint Out in Hudson, OH

This weekend, my girlfriend Andrea Orr and I had the awesome opportunity to participate in the 6th Annual Plein Air Paint Out hosted by our gallery, Hudson Fine Art & Framing Co. The event was part of the Hudson Home & Garden Tour in beautiful Hudson, Ohio.

A Shady Seat
Adam Clague • Oil • 8" x 10"
To inquire about availability,
Contact Hudson Fine Art

To kick things off on Friday, I painted a whimsical garden chair at one of the homes on the tour. Andrea painted a pergola decorated with a hanging basket.

Hanging Basket
Andrea Orr • Oil • 5" x 7"
To inquire about availability,
Contact Hudson Fine Art

That evening was the Quick Draw Event, in which the Hudson Fine Art artists were given just two hours to commence and complete paintings. I chose to paint the Brewster Mansion, home of Hudson Fine Art & Framing Co.

Brewster Balcony
Adam Clague • Oil • 5" x 7"
Sold

Andrea and I

Live Auction

When our two hours were up, all the Quick Draw paintings were sold at a live auction on the square.

Koi Pond
Adam Clague • Oil • 8" x 10"
To inquire about availability,
Contact Hudson Fine Art

On Saturday, I found a shady oasis at one of the tour homes where I painted the homeowner's koi pond. Andrea painted a sunlit garden entrance.

Climbing Clematis
Andrea Orr • Oil • 8" x 10"
To inquire about availability,
Contact Hudson Fine Art

It was a beautiful weekend spent in the beautiful outdoors with my beautiful girl!

Until next time, Adam C.

Sam

One of my family's favorite restaurants is Café Muse in Downtown Royal Oak, Michigan. Café Muse is famous for its grilled cheese sandwich, which was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and in other prominent venues. Among the café's exemplary wait staff is Sam, whom I had the privilege to paint yesterday.

 Sam

Oil • 12" x 14"
Available • To inquire,
Contact the Clague Studio

New Gallery and New Painting

I am pleased to announce that my work is now represented by Hudson Fine Art & Framing Co. in Hudson, Ohio! One of my paintings available there is a new piece, Letters of Hope.

 Letters of Hope

Oil • 11" x 14"
Sold

Cymoril

Here is a painting I just finished today. Cymoril was a terrific model and I really enjoyed painting her red hair! I started the piece from life and then finished up later from photos. If I can't paint a picture entirely from life, I try to at least start it from life so I can observe and replicate the subtle nuances that a camera can't capture. Remember, you can click the images below to view them larger. Enjoy!

Cymoril
Oil • 8" x 10"
Available • To inquire,
Contact the Clague Studio

Detail

Banquet's End

Hot off the easel, my new painting Banquet's End has been added to my website! My subject, Randy, was an excellent model and provided the inspiration for this composition with his impeccable taste in clothing. My favorite part to paint was his collar and bow tie--it was great fun using my palette knife to apply those sharp edges!

Banquet's End

Oil on linen • 11" x 14"
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On display 5/3/13–6/25/13 in the
2nd Annual MVIS Competition.
To inquire, contact SouthWind Art Gallery