Oil Paintings of Ken Linker

Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine

2009-07-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine
(20 X 30, oil on canvas, work-in-process)

This painting is a composite of photos we made at Acadia National Park in July, 2008. The jutting shoreline, lighthouse, islands, etc. can all be found in the park but not necessarily in this sequence. It has presented quite a challenge with the multiple perspectives that must be accounted for to get a true effect and has caused me to rethink the original and the subsequent layouts on numerous occasions. This painting is currently in a "rest stage" giving me the opportunity to look it over -- and over -- while the paint is drying to determine where additional touch-up and details are necessary. It's almost finished.

Christmas in Falls Church

2009-06-22T17:58:00.001-07:00

"Christmas in Falls Church"
(16 X 20, oil on canvas, work-in-process)
This painting was made from photos of our decorated house after a snowfall and combines features (plants, decorations) from several different years. The is my first attempt at a nocturnal painting. The challenge is maintaining the darkness while providing sufficient detail. Since I am a stickler for detail I still have a few features on the house I want to enhance before I'll consider this painting complete.

Autumn on Lake Barcroft

2009-06-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

"Autumn on Lake Barcroft"

(12 x 24, oil on canvas, Collection of Cynthia Wright, Nov 2008)
This painting is from a photo I made in the Fall of 2007 while on a walk around Lake Barcroft in Fairfax County, VA. Creating reflections and gentle water movements were the big challenges. I took liberties by removing boats and houses from the shorelines.

I have included several other photos that I liked about this painting.

The first is from the initial layout -- trying to define an approach and a perspective.

This photo was made playing with the lighting. I thought the late evening - early nightfall appearance was pretty neat and somewhat realistic.

Andes Mountains

2009-06-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

"Andes Mountains --
Fitz Roy Range in Argentina"
(14 x 18, oil on canvas, Private Collection, July, 2008)
This was my first effort working without another artist's step-by-step guidance and has been a true source of pride to me. The inspirations came from a trip I made in January, 2008 to Mendoza, Argentina. The painting is from a photo -- taken not by me -- that does a wonderful job of capturing the awesome beauty of this country and the Andes Mountains.

High Mountain Winter

2009-06-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

"High Mountain Winter"
(14 x 18, oil on canvas, Private Collection, 2007)
This study is a compilation of objects (trees and structure) that I thought would be interesting and valuable in the learning process. The objects came from several exercises in a book by William Palluth. The background mountains are mine -- using recollections from the Tetons with a little Yosemite thrown-in.

Autumn Mountain Trail

2009-06-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

"Autumn Mountain Trail"
(12 x 16, oil on canvas panel, Private Collection, 2007)

After several studio-type classes, I decided I might progress faster if I worked on my own -- learning from my mistakes as well as successes. I found this painting in a book by Carolyn Lewis and thought it would make an excellent study. Using the steps outlined by Ms Lewis I was able to recreate this painting and add a few personal modifications (e.g. backgrounds mountains reshaped to reflect my memories of the Huachuca Mountains in Arizona). I liked the results and more importantly -- learned a lot.

Seascape

2009-06-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

"Seascape"
(14 x 18, oil on canvas, Private Collection, 2006)

This is my first oil painting and was completed during a class called "Oil Painting Even If You've Never Held a Brush". Though simple, it was a very informative effort that stimulated my desire to move forward.