Blog : In Art Pursuit

I enjoy drawing, painting, and sculpting from direct observation - both in the studio and plein air. I also like to experiment with different tools and techniques. Following my blog will allow you to see examples of my work in progress and read about what was happening as I made them.

Painting an Old Mill in Gouache

Painted this old mill in gouache this sunny morning. 

Painted this old mill in gouache this sunny morning. 

I began by making a smaller value study in water soluble graphite. 

I began by making a smaller value study in water soluble graphite. 

I shared the space with these bees that were carrying huge amounts of yellow pollen. When they landed, light dusting a of pollen would spray off like particle effects. 

Bees collecting pollen

Bees collecting pollen

Plein Air Painting at Wrigley Field in Chicago

I painted the famous sign at Wrigley Field this morning in oil. Another painter added foreground interest and helpfully masked construction that was going on in the Northwest corner of Addison and Clark St.

I painted the famous sign at Wrigley Field this morning in oil. Another painter added foreground interest and helpfully masked construction that was going on in the Northwest corner of Addison and Clark St.

Work in progress shot of my Wrigley Field painting, with my fellow painter in the foreground. Included in this photo: friendly jogger checking us out as he went by. Not included: LOTS of folks in red shirts coming to Wrigleyville for the #MoustacheC…

Work in progress shot of my Wrigley Field painting, with my fellow painter in the foreground. Included in this photo: friendly jogger checking us out as he went by. Not included: LOTS of folks in red shirts coming to Wrigleyville for the #MoustacheCrawl.

Painting outdoors in Oil in Grant Park, Chicago

As a painter, I have been primarily a watercolorist. I highly value its portability and convenience for doing plein air and urban sketching. 

This past weekend I had the opportunity to participate in Don Yang's Oil Painting workshop at USK Chicago 2016. Don is an artist that is both highly skilled and generous, so I felt very fortunate to learn from him! 

I'll be doing more oil painting in the future, in addition to my watercolor work. :) 

Plein air oil painting by Ted Gordon, Theodore Thomas Memorial, The Spirit of Music Statue, Grant Park, Chicago

Plein air oil painting by Ted Gordon, Theodore Thomas Memorial, The Spirit of Music Statue, Grant Park, Chicago

Focused on my painting during Don Yang's oil painting workshop at USK Chicago, photo: Don Yang

Focused on my painting during Don Yang's oil painting workshop at USK Chicago, photo: Don Yang

Thank you. :)