Pêcheur à Marée Basse — 24x36, oil on Belgian linen

A couple years ago, my wife and I traveled to Zegama, Spain to be used in some short term mission work with the Bonikowski's—missionaries to the Basque region. Some of our time there included an excursion just over the border into Biarritz, France, where I encountered real french crepes like my wife makes and this weathered fisherman on the Atlantic coast. At low tide, these pools were full of fish and other sea creatures, hiding in the shadows and clefts.

A little about the process:

I began first by giving attention to the composition and design of the painting. While it is based on a photograph, it is heavily edited and altered for color, lighting, and compositional interest. Next, I concentrate on solid form and drawing before any paint is applied. When the drawing is correct, i move into the painting, always attempting to paint with as much speed as accuracy will allow. Brushwork techniques range from thin scumbling to wet, alla prima brushwork. I aim to keep the edges and brushwork loose, then, around the center of interest, tighten up details. The materials are a range of oil paints of various brand and color, brushes ranging from medum and large bristle flats to langnickels and sable rounds for details.