Had to log in and tell you I have discovered a partial solution to that
atmosphere problem....Let me know what you think....

We know that the distant objects
need to be paler, or have less contrast, according to Da Vinci's
"atmospheric perspective" right?....

OK, I found that I usually divide my
palette into, say, 6 to 10 differing levels of value, like B/W scale, and tended to use these values evenly through out the area of the canvas.  I try to see a value and match it in the painting.

So tonight, I discovered that the distant objects needed a much subtler level of value changes over a relatively larger area.  I needed to divide the lightest two shades into more levels to get the feeling of real depth that I was seeking in the work.

Alright, I may be reinventing the wheel, but was excited to share it with another oil painter. 

Yeah I was just at Gregory's site and you both have similarities in your work!  color mostly...You both are in the goove together....bright and vibrant!!!!   I have a friend in CA that also paints these bright and warm landscapes  here is her link

http://www.kristenjensenstudio.com/

Kara

silly me I asked Gregory if he ate mangos and danced in the nude...only fair if I ask you too..since your work inspires my in that island, dreamy warm weather, bright skies way!

Hey You!  You're online!

How's things with you?

have you added new paintings..I'll have to look.

How are your shows going?

Kara

Howdy Mary Ann,

I got your email...been out of town for a few..but trying to catch up and will write soon!

Kara

Hey Mary - thanks for swinging by again! Yes, the metallic one is new. It looks a LOT more impressive in person because all the metallic paints really shimmer. I am hoping to get more metallic abstracts in soon but right now I'm back logged with a few commission pieces - two portraits and a still life. 

I see you've changed from the warm tones and have gone into more cool/bright colors in your latest two posts. Nice : ) 

hello..and thanks for looking at my page..and the comment...i only just found it now!...

cheers.

glenn 

Weird coincidences...

I might actually have very briefly met and
passed by TH when I was at the Vermont Studio Center one day last
month. It was the final load day.

I will be back there at
the end of April for a fellowship. My friend was there too, I see the
picture of my friend on your friend's blog....

hmm.

I see
how you could like her work. She has achieved that 'atmosphere' I am
pining for. Her colors are minimal and lush. Some rows of trees there
too. I am not inclined to the figure though. I found it impossible to
show that work, and even had people ask me why I painted "fat women".
Well some WERE Rubenesque, perhaps, but I couldn't get why it created
so much animosity.

I will have to send an blog comment to her.