Matthew Hillier's.."The Studio Floor"

longhorns 5 x 12'' oil

2012-02-15T10:18:00.000-08:00

White Ibis In Surf 18 x 24'' oil

2012-02-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

"The Art Of Painting Birds" Workshop

2012-02-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

I am excited about my upcoming workshop at the Academy Art Museum in Easton Maryland. The workshop will take place on Saturday Feb 25th and Sunday Feb26th from 10am-4pm. The cost will be $200. It will be Birds Birds Birds!! for more info phone the Art Academy at 410-822-ART or look them up on the web.

Morning Glory 24 x 36 oil

2012-01-27T07:48:00.000-08:00

This was the view from our house a few mornings ago. The Creek is full of geese, and the winter mornings are glorious.

Hunt study(1). 5 x 7 oil -Hunt study (2) oil 8 x 8

2012-01-11T15:16:00.000-08:00

Here's a couple of studies showing horses riders and hounds.

The Whips 9 x 12'' oil

2012-01-05T13:18:00.000-08:00

The smoky light was wonderful on this cold winter morning.

Wicomico Huntsman oil 6 x 11 SOLD

2011-12-30T10:04:00.000-08:00

This the first in a series of Eastern shore hunt scenes.

Skipjack 5 x 7 oil

2011-12-18T16:59:00.000-08:00

Here's a mini skipjack.

The view from my porch. 7 x 5 oil

2011-12-18T16:55:00.000-08:00

I seem to be doing a ton of minis at the moment. This was the view one morning a couple of weeks ago. Cold but beautiful.

"Flowers In The Rain" (Finished painting)

2011-12-17T14:46:00.000-08:00

I am always asked to show a painting from start to finish. Usually this jinxes the painting. This is a bit of a departure for me. Kind of Abstract realism, If that doesn't sound too pretentious!.
Anyway I began with an oil sketch in my sketch book. Then It's straight to work on the board.I used a cool stain ( a do it yourself paynes grey) I don't draw except with a brush and watered down(with gamsol) oil. At this stage I build up a rough tonal painting. I work across the whole painting getting the feel of the flowers and dark -light areas. begin to play around with the rivulets of water on the glass.
These snaps were taken over three sessions. Hopefully you can see the development as I gradually start defining the shapes and adding details.... More to follow as the painting progresses

"Swan" oil 24 x 18

2011-12-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

. Lousy title.... I must come up with a better one. Anyway I have just finished this painting. I loved the steely light on the water... really fun to paint. The swan was a bugger because It was mostly in shadow and It was a challenge finding colours that worked. I hope I got there in the end.

" Horses on the Beach" series7 x 5 oil ( and race horses on the Gallops)

2011-12-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

This is another in my "Horses on the beach series. I just love painting horses on the beach.

"Pilot Cutter" oil 5 x 7

2011-12-10T10:18:00.000-08:00

This is a Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter.

Beachcomber 7 x 5 oil

2011-12-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

"Beachcomber is actually my favorite model, Patrick my son.

2011-12-10T10:15:00.000-08:00

Here's another this mini is called "Little Girl Feeding the Gulls oil 7 x 5

Morning on the Miles SOLD

2011-12-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

I thought it was about time I put up some new paintings. This is called "Morning on The Miles"(skipjack) 18 x 24 oil

Sanderlings 24 x 36 oil

2011-11-06T07:03:00.000-08:00

This is the Ocean at Assateague on the Eastern shore, with Sanderlings

"Crescent moon over the Miles" oil 8 1/2 x 14 1/2'' SOLD

2011-10-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

. I couldn't resist this lovely moon and all the lights in the harbour entrance.

Morwenna 18 x 24 oil

2011-09-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

"Morwenna" is a Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter. I first saw this boat in the Solent UK. I was crossing to the Isle of Wight. The background fort is Hurst Castle which was built by Henry V111. The Lighthouse is Hurst Lighthouse. I loved the shaft of sunlight on the water lighting up the sails.

Snowy egret oil 24 x 18

2011-09-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

This post is for Clive.It shows my painting "Snowy egret" in the ghastly early stage. I took a couple of attempts to place the egret and then blobbed in the waves.I love drawing with a paintbrush. I wanted to get the feel and movement of the waves.Crude, but effective.I also want to do a tonal build up. I feel more comfortable if have my tonal values sorted before I start building up the paint. I like to cover the board in the beginning and develop the painting as a whole. I hate it when a part of the painting gets left behind. I know artists who are happy to begin in one corner and finish it before moving to another section.... Whatever works I suppose, but It would drive me crazy. I like to use the same colours throughout the painting. All the light and colour in the bird are in the wave and sand. The bird is a reflective surface, and It's fun to paint the lovely golds and lilacs in the plumage.

snowy egret 24 x 18 oil SOLD

2011-09-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

Here's the finished painting.

Show Off!!! "Beach Stroll" Snowy Egret

2011-09-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

I hate to be a show off, but this Sunday,Julia and I both won generous cash awards at "The Best of the Chesapeake" annual show at the Mcbride Gallery in Annapolis.Maryland. I won "Best In Show" and ''Peoples Choice " for my painting "Beach Stroll" and an award for "storm on the Bay" and Julia won an award for her lovely Egret painting"Chasing the shoal" We are just thrilled !!

Frosty morning ( Great blue heron) 18 x 24 oil SOLD

2011-09-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

This is the first in my "Four Seasons" series. A year on Leeds creek.(The creek we live on) This is opposite our house last winter.I love the way herons fluff themselves out in cold weather. They also have a uncanny ability to look miserable. Next up ... Bald Eagle in Fall Light.

2011-08-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

This is a close up of the fly... It can easily be removed!!

Storm on the Bay 30 x 30 oil

2011-08-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

This painting is a little different. I painted the storm as seen through the window. Kind of "Abstract realism" (If that doesn't sound too pretentious) I have a series of 4 similar paintings planned. The next being leaves under the Ice. Well I had better see what the reaction is to this piece first!
I added a house fly, but I'm not sure whether it adds to the painting or shows my lack of courage.

"looking for Arrow heads" oil 7 x 5''

2011-08-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

This is how I spend hours on the beach, with my head down searching for elusive Arrow heads. This chap found 2 the week before. The stone arrow heads date back to 40,000 years ago. I have yet to find one but I have a large collection of stones that should have been "Arrow heads" !!

Trot lining for crabs 5 x 7 oil

2011-08-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

At this time of year Leeds Creek is full of people trying to catch crabs. My painting shows a couple of guys "trot lining". They bait long lines with chicken pieces and run the lines along the creek. The crabs grab hold of the bait and as the line is pulled up, the crabs are netted. This can be a very affective method for catching crabs.

Snowy egret 30 x 30 oil

2011-08-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

Just finished this new Egret painting. I haven't thought of a title yet.

"A Fair Wind" (Skipjack) 36 x 24" oil

2011-07-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

So often you see Skipjacks chugging around with tourists on a windless river. I love it when there is enough wind for them to be properly under sail. He was really moving!

"Gotta beat Blewbird" 18 x 24 oil on canvas

2011-07-28T05:10:00.000-07:00

I love the Wednesday night races. All the Spinnakers looked gorgeous against the evening light on the Miles river.

Moonlight sail oil 18 x24 SOLD

2011-07-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

There are times when the river looks so beautiful.

Downrigging on the Chester river 24 x 18 oil

2011-07-28T05:04:00.000-07:00

This is the Kymer Nyckel, Deleware's State tall ship. I saw this at the annual "Downrigging Festival in Chestertown MD.

Banner Auction painting(Schooner)oil on canvas

2011-06-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

Here's My painting for the front of this year's Banner for the "Easton Annual Banner Auction" They hang the Banners throughout the town of Easton for the summer and Fall then they are auctioned off in December. I still have the to paint another for the back of the Banner.

Schooner Demo oil 18 x 24 oil on canvas

2011-05-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

It's been ages since I posted anything. I have been busy with family visits and teaching workshops. Here is my finished demo from my weekend course "Boats, Birds and the Bay" Everyone wanted to know the secrets of painting "Sparkles".
What I need is a few days in the Studio painting!

Raymond James Financial

2011-05-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

I have just got back from the Wildlife Western show at Raymond James Financial in St Petersburg FL. Every year we have an artist's tour of the collection, They select one of our paintings from the collection for each artist to talk about. Here I am giving a talk on my painting"Cresting the Wave". I look rather hungover!

Tiger Study 8 x 16 oil

2011-04-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

A Quick Tiger study.

Beach party 24 x 48'' oil ( White Ibises) SOLD

2011-04-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

These guys turned up several times during a recent visit to Bonita Springs Beach. They were not at all concerned about the waves breaking over them.I spent hours running up and down the beach following them as they waded around in the surf..
I have just heard that this painting has been accepted for the "Birds In Art" Exhibition. I am thrilled!

October evening oil 18 x 24

2011-03-07T14:45:00.000-08:00

My favorite beach. The light was lovely.
The distant headland is actually one of a series of granite Islands transported over to England from Norway. They were brought in enormous barges and unloaded at high tide. At low tide diggers would pick up the rocks and move them slowly into place. they created these long Islands about 100 yards long and 30ft high. The whole process took years. As you can Imagine, the Islands, (about 8 I think) changed the coastal landscape. instead of shifting shingle and terrible erosion, we now have a permanent grassy, shingle beach which has become a haven for wildlife and plants. There are large rock pools around the base of the Islands. and shallow sheltered bays between the Islands. The birdlife is Incredible. A large population of Turnstones, oystercatchers, plovers, lots of smaller waders, and of course, my favourite, the recent addition to our birdscape.... Little Egrets. You could almost forgive the awful smell of the rotting seaweed that also piles up after storms.

Feeding The ducks oil 7 x 5

2011-02-04T06:14:00.000-08:00

This is an "Alice Inspired" painting. We spend a lot of time on Walt and Alice's boat during the summer. Our favourite thing to do is to toodle into st Michaels harbour and see what's going on . We usually end up feeding the ducks.(I have an 8 year old who loves it). Alice is always saying "Oh you should paint that". She's got me to paint weddings on the water , dogs on boats,my son making sandcastles , and many more subjects that would never occur to me to paint. This is the "Crab Claw" restaurant in St Michaels. So thank you Alice for another great Idea!!

Great egret 36 x 24 oil

2011-01-31T14:09:00.000-08:00

. I felt a larger painting was long overdue. Ripples are so bloody hard to paint, but Egrets are always fun!!

palm tree oil 15 x 5

2011-01-24T15:51:00.000-08:00

I love painting palm trees. I saw this one at Bonita Springs.

Night Sail, 7 x 5 oil SOLD

2011-01-21T11:12:00.000-08:00

Spending the night on the water gives you a totally different experience to the normal afternoon sail. I loved the ghostly apparition of a passing sailboat gliding silently across the Bay in the twilight.

Casing The Joint oil 5 x 12''

2011-01-21T11:03:00.000-08:00

This painting shows opportunistic gulls waiting to check out left belongings on the beach. I just loved painting this picture..

Girraffe at Dusk oil 24 x 12

2011-01-21T10:58:00.000-08:00

Here's another demo for my students. I finished it in the studio. I'm afraid It's a terrible photo.

"Cat Boat with Sparkles" oil 9 x 12

2011-01-19T05:39:00.000-08:00

I painted this as a demo for my students.

Second thoughts 7 x 5 oil

2011-01-19T05:33:00.000-08:00

Patrick really wanted to go "Boogie Boarding" however the weather was foul, , the water choppy and cold(after all this was England in August). As soon as he dipped his toes he changed his mind. However it made a fun painting.

Evening sky , Yellowstone 5 x 7 oil

2011-01-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

Horse minis.... oil 5 x 7 and 7 x 5

2011-01-11T14:37:00.000-08:00

I keep going back to horses on the beach in England. they are fun to do, and popular!

Egret Preening oil 7 x 5

2011-01-10T18:07:00.000-08:00

Here's one for "The Night Of Artists"

Longhorn Cattle. oil 8'' x 14''

2011-01-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

I have just finished this "Longhorn"painting for "The Night of The Artists" show at the Briscoe museum in San Antonio TX. I saw the Longhorns on a visit to Houston. I love the poor brown cow who's longhorns are a bit short and wonky ( I can relate to her!)

Painting demo at the Academy Art museum

2011-01-08T12:13:00.000-08:00

Last night I was asked to do a painting demonstration at an open night at the Academy Art Museum in Easton. My model, "Rose" was lovely, and I had lots of fun.

"The road to Caprivi" oil (Black Rhino) 5 x 14

2011-01-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has been to Africa will know about the hours of driving through endless Bush. This is the Kalahari in Botswana.I was traveling with the British army through the country. I love the Idea that when the truck has passed a stillness descends on the landscape and all that is left are the tire tracks.

"Summer Snow" Snowy egret 24 x 18 oil SOLD

2011-01-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

I love painting Egrets. This one was patrolling the beach in Florida.

6 x 14 oil Waterbird Medley

2011-01-07T11:40:00.000-08:00

This painting shows another mixed bag of birds.They are "White Ibis adult and jeuvenile. Roseate Spoonbills 2 adults and a jeuvenile, and a snowy Egret. I saw them in Costa Rica.

Gulf evening 8 x 10 oil

2011-01-07T11:34:00.000-08:00

Beach Rider oil 6x6

2011-01-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

here's another horse mini. I really enjoy painting horses. This is my mom's beach.Lovely but smelly (the brown is seaweed)

"A Daring Heist"Osprey and Black backed Gulls

2010-11-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

. I watched this scene unfold on a recent sail. There were two enormous Greater Black backed gulls guarding a large "Blue fish" carcass, when all of a sudden an Osprey grabbed the prize and flew off with the larger birds in hot pursuit.

"Storm at Sea" 15 x 36'' oil

2010-11-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

In some ways I was terribly unlucky with the weather in England on my recent visit. We had storm after storm. although I was unprepared for the cold, and the rain, I loved the constant drama. I spent many hours wandering up and down the beach.What a 'whinging Pom" I've become! England was great, who cares about the occasional storm, when you get to eat the best Indian food, and the beer's Great!!

Oystercatchers oil 24 x 48'' SOLD

2010-10-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

I saw these on a recent visit to England. I spent the week chasing the local Oystercatchers along the beach. This was just before sunset. The light was gorgeous. Beautiful golden pink light reflected on the water's surface.

"Spring Break" 5 x 7 oil

2010-09-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

In Florida the birds and the holidaymakers really do share the beach.

2010-09-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of recent life paintings. I love getting together with other artists and painting a model for a couple of hours. It really charges up the batteries plus you get to hear all the latest gossip!

"High Flying" 18 x 24 oil

2010-09-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

I was lying on a beach looking at this gorgeous sky thinking it would be fun to add a bird. I chose a great Egret because I like them.

Passing Storm oil 6 x 15

2010-09-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

I loved the yellow light after a summer storm. I promise my horizon is level. It's just not a great snap.

Zebra at a waterhole 6 x 15 oil SOLD

2010-09-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

I enjoy painting groups of Zebra.

Thirsty work! 12 x 9 oil

2010-09-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

Patrick features in so many of my paintings these days. He's madly keen on pond and Creek dipping.It's hot work and my painting shows him taking a well earned "Freeze-pop" break. I think the giant blue bucket was a little ambitious considering he was catching minnows.

The Bounty oil 6x6 SOLD

2010-09-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

"The Bounty" (from the movies) visited St Michaels earlier this summer. It docked at the Maritime museum.

Regatta oil 5 x 7 sold

2010-09-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

I love the steely grey water of the Solent. This regatta was at Cowes in the Isle Of Wight. When I lived in UK I never realised how stunning the English skies are.

Supporters Club (log Canoe race) 5 x 7 oil

2010-09-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

This boat is one of the features of the Log Canoe races on the Miles river. It was out there today, minus the plastic palm tree. I think it belongs to one of the owners.

pirates oil 5 x 7

2010-09-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

This ones for Alice to see, because it shows Walt(my friend) and Patrick (my son) Having a sword fight(well driftwood actually) on the beach in Florida.

Choppy waters (Skipjack) 12 x 9 SOLD

2010-09-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

This is one of my paintings for an exhibition at the Annapolis Maritime museum.

Heat and Dust oil 24 x 36

2010-09-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

I love to paint Tigers. In my opinion they are the most beautiful of the Big Cats. This painting was shipped to UK and is going to be exhibited at this year's Society Of Wildlife Artists Exhibition in London next week

"Naughty but Fun" oil 5 x 7

2010-09-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

I saw these Amish girls having fun at the beach. I thought they might have some explaining to do when they got home with wet dresses. They were having the best time though.

Charolais cows oil 24 x36 (sold)

2010-09-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to start posting again. It's been so long. I apologize to all the visitors who have been unable to see new paintings and I assure everyone that I am still alive and painting!
This was a fun commission, except that I wasn't able to find any Charolais cattle on the Eastern shore of Maryland. Luckily my sister came to the rescue. I found a breeding center in Sussex UK. She and her boyfriend spent a fun day with the farmer driving around the herd on a tractor. She then sent me some terrific reference. Not exactly how I like to work but It did the job.

"Spoilt for Choice" oil 22 x 36 SOLD

2010-04-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

This is a Grey Heron (the one we get in England) they can be found throughout Europe and asia. This one in is the middle of the Indian ocean in the Maldives.

"A Perfect Day" oil 5 x 7 SOLD

2010-04-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

This is our friend Alice with Julia and Patrick spending an Idyllic spring day at the beach in Bonita Springs. I loved Alice's hat!

"Feeding Gulls" oil 7 x 5 sold

2010-04-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

Patrick loves feeding the gulls,

"Timeless Pleasure"oil 7 x 5 SOLD

2010-04-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

This is part of my "Day At The Seaside" series. Paddling is one of those simple pleasures we can all enjoy.

Harbour Entrance.(Osprey) oil 7 x 5

2010-03-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

I have known this Osprey nest for many years. It is the marker to St Michaels Harbour.
I remember sailing past it with Julia's dad, before we got married. I have always wanted to do a painting of it.

November waterman oil 5 x 7 SOLD

2010-03-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

I saw this waterman in November. He was working the entrance to st Michaels harbour. We were taking friends out during the Waterfowl fest. By mid November all the pleasure boats have retired for the winter and the bay is left to the Waterman.

Woodland creek 5 x 12 oil

2010-02-23T08:03:00.000-08:00

I see this snag on my morning walk everyday. Often there is a heron perched on the snag. I have also seen kingfishers, egrets and eagles on the snag. I love it when the morning sunlight illuminates the branches.
I have also Included the painting In It's early stage.

Iguana and White ibises oil 5 x 13'' SOLD

2010-02-18T12:36:00.000-08:00

I saw this scene in Costa Rica. The white Ibis were not at all bothered by the extremely large Iguana.

"Paddy" oil 20 x 16

2010-02-18T11:46:00.000-08:00

My old friend Neil Oshea phoned from UK to ask if I was still alive, because I haven't posted anything on my blog since the New year. To prove I am indeed alive and painting I felt I had better get posting!!
This is my son Patrick!

The fishing trip oil 5 x 7'' SOLD

2010-02-18T11:43:00.000-08:00

This is a typical Eastern Shore summer scene. Two lads off for an afternoon's fishing on our local Creek.( Leeds Creek)

Sunset on the Bay( Selina 11) 18 x 24'' SOLD

2010-02-18T11:14:00.000-08:00

I have just finished this painting of Selina 11 out on the Bay last summer. It was one of those paintings that needed to be pared down.Not much detail, just colour and hopefully atmosphere. This is a sight you can see all summer long. Selina a large catboat) was built in 1911 and is docked in St Michaels harbour. She is always on the river taking out tourists. The Miles river would seem naked without her and the old Skipjack" The Herman Krantz plying their trade.

Reflection. Great egret 36 x 16'' oil SOLD

2010-02-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

This is really a designer piece. I wanted to keep it simple . A bold statement, rather than a fussier piece.

Zebra. 8 x 10 oil

2010-02-18T11:08:00.000-08:00

Here;s another small African painting. Again I saw this Zebra in Botswana.

Elephant 8 x 10 oil SOLD

2010-02-18T11:04:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I have painted any African subjects. I saw this Elephant in Botswana.

" The Gathering" oil 8 x 36''

2010-02-18T10:58:00.000-08:00

I saw these waterbirds in Costa Rica. The Idea is to make it a diptick or even triptick. There were so many more birds. I love to paint mixed species preening squabbling, and doing anything but posing.

"Rider on the beach" oil 5 x 7 SOLD

2009-12-28T11:52:00.000-08:00

Here's a mini of a rider on the beach. Oh dear, sparkles gulls and the ocean again.... but I refuse to apologize! At least there's a horse in this one!

"Bray" oil 20 x 16

2009-12-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

Last week's portrait sketch.

Laughing gulls in surf oil 24 x 36''

2009-12-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

My latest painting shows laughing Gulls in Surf, suitably titled Laughing gulls in Surf! I must come up with a better title! Taking Paula's good advice I refuse to apologize for another wave/gull painting. I have so much fun painting the ocean!

2009-12-11T18:16:00.000-08:00

I went along to a portrait group last night. We had a great model called Bray who wore a Victorian dress So much fun to paint!

"Snowy in the surf" oil 12 x 9

2009-12-08T13:11:00.000-08:00

I apologize for yet another Snowy egret, but he was rather gorgeous, and I keep getting asked to paint him.

Teaching in Easton

2009-12-07T07:23:00.000-08:00

I will be teaching a life painting class at the Art Academy in Easton MD in early January. It's been a couple of years since I taught, and I'm very excited at the prospect. I will be teaching in oils, I just hope I can come up with enough models!

The Lovers. 12 x 16 oil

2009-12-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

The late afternoon light was soft and mellow, the perfect setting for a romantic sail. Normally the skipjack is crammed with tourists, but on this occasion it was just the captain and this couple. I wonder If he proposed before the sun dipped behind the trees.

Heron portrait. 6x6 oil

2009-12-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

Here's another small portrait of "Jimmy", our resident Great Blue Heron.

Gulf Sunset, (laughing Gulls) 12 x 9 oil

2009-12-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

Here's a small painting of gulls in Florida, It was the end of a wonderful day at the beach. In case you wondered,my horizon is level, however I am a lousy photographer.

2009-11-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

I am so thrilled, I just heard that my painting" Snow in August" received the "Visitors Choice" award at this year's Society of Wildlife Artists annual show at the Mall Galleries in London. I know it's just showing off on my part, but then I am a show off!

2009-11-14T17:57:00.000-08:00

Here is some more of my booth. Lousy snap I'm afraid.

Booth at the WFFest

2009-11-14T17:52:00.000-08:00

I know it's a lousy snap, but here is the finished bugeye in it's frame in the Waterfowl Festival. I sold it today so I am thrilled. I made all the frames... phew 18 all together...