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James River Rapids @ Sunset # 86

www.chucklarivey.com

18x24 Oil on linen canvas panel - I've painted this location en plein air many times in the last few months. This spot was part of the abandoned Hydroelectric plant at the rivers South side.

Tags

impressionism oil painting river scape sunset

Comments hideadd comment

Priscilla M Norris

Hi Chuck, another beauty, love the sunlight glowing through the trees. A beautiful scene. 5*****

8 months ago

Chuck Larivey

Thanks Priscilla...it just got evicted from my easel...I have to go back to river for a refresher course on painting the rapids. The highlights on the water were soft orange that night. I may come back later......and maybe not:)

8 months

Chrisann

What a beautiful landscape -great job :)

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Hi Chrisann, thank you...nice call on Suzie's frame :=)

8 months

Chris(tian) v. Grumbkow

I must say, your work has an amazing variety and high quality standard.......this one I like very much, because of the superb handling of light on all parts....

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thanks Chris, the variety comes from working en Plein Air and the studio, they have different purposes. In either case I like to work fast and still have a difficult time working on anything more than a day.....and this took three days!!! My main objective was light and moving to a larger format...this is the first step :=) later

8 months

Roberto "ROY" Ercolino

The sun effect behind the trees is wonderful! Very nice atmosphere in this work, Chuck.

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Hi Roy, coming from a star means more:=) I was watching the Discovery channel the other night..all about meteorites and your painting came to mind and thought Roy would enjoy this program.

8 months

alison rowen

wow! the glimpse of orange...and the reflections...magical, you are so very talented chuck..xx

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you Alison....it seems to be an endless subject for me....this is a wonderful site it gets very little wind. The water surface above the falls frequently is mirror smooth...hard to believe it produces fast moving rapids only feet away.

8 months

betty

altogether lovely 5*

8 months

Paul Sellmann

This is beautiful work Chuck. I can almost hear the dull roar of the water falling.

8 months

Chuck Larivey

It does sing....great place to paint!

8 months

Mark S J Shirley ( BA HONS )

Love how you've grasped the movement of the water Chuck, and your eye for impressionistic colour is a pleasure to observe.

8 months

Chuck Larivey

I'm looking forward to experimenting with pastels and especially see how it contrasts from my oils....I appreciate the good words...who's this facetious devil following you around :)))

8 months

Robin Forsyth

I love it. It's a winner.

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thanks Robin!

8 months

Adhishray

Very beautiful. Love the sun peeking through the trees!

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Sometimes it hard to get the sun to speak softly.....:=)

8 months

David Cressman

The light and brushwork in this painting is superb!
Great work to view. Cheers David

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thanks David, great to hear from you!

8 months

Rose Gogos

if you dont mind me saying..very Monetish!...lovely!

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Mmmmm.....we shared the same sun, I guess it rubbed off on both of us.

8 months

william lambert

its too full life,a moment of life.Sun is amazing,and the quiet of the scene is remarquable.Your touch is fantastic

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you...

8 months

Zivka Koceva Karadjovska

lovely work 5*

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you Zivka!

8 months

Hazel Mabbott

From the glow of the sun behind the trees to the turbulent rapids.an altogether beautiful painting Chuck.5* regards.Hazel

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Hi Hazel, Thank you very much!

8 months

Rod Davis

I've commented on your works before. Just love the sunset and the way you've added to this through the reflections amongst the tree. I like your style very much. Always a pleasure.

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Same here..take care!

8 months

holly hightower

So So enchanting, I wish I could be there with easel and paints. Lovely light, simply beautiful painting really!!!!!

8 months

holly hightower

Oh I read it is done plein-air. You are so lucky to have found such a spot and than to render it so well! I've never tried it.

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Hi Holly, I did this in the studio from several en Plein Air studies and photos taken while painting. Painting en Plein Air or life will help you understand form, colour and light, once you understand what your painting real freedom and creativity will follow. The best art lesson...go out and paint from life!

8 months

Susie Hawkins

Another Beautiful painting chuck. The water is wonderful, so full of life. 5*****

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thanks Suzie!

8 months

Katerina Pyatakova

Very beautiful work, Chuk! Wonderful sunlight trough trees! Love these water reflections and movement!
P.S. I dont surf. :))

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Good, because your force 5* waves might scare you to death and deprive us of you talent :=)))

8 months

Carma Jewell

wonderful work, can't wait until I can paint close to what you can do......

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Carma thank you very much!

8 months

varvara

Superb work like old master's impressionistic art!!

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you Varvara!

8 months

pittore medico

How i missed this one...Wonderful sunset,sunlight glowing through the trees...like firework in the background!Right away______5******!!!And more!

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you Pittore! I appreciate your comments very much.

8 months

pittore medico

Thanks very much for You comment,Chuck!I will send e-mail to You about myself and my work.Best regards!

8 months

Chuck Larivey

I'll be on the watch for it Pittore.

8 months

shhightower

Love the atmosphere, nice depth great light, very pleasing! Holly's out to find her beautiful spot, thanks for the inspiration Chuck, Steve

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thanks Steve....So she's out there ...don't you just love the enthusiasm our kids have! I can't wait to see the results.

8 months

leonard c.

Lovely impressionist picture. Your touch of colours are so accurate, it realy gives the impression of being there into your painted landscape. It's brilliant !!! 5*****

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Hi Leonard, Thank you!

8 months

Anja

it is just great!

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you!

8 months

Doris Billing

What a beautiful scene, Chuck! 5***** Sincerely, Doris

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Hi Doris, thank you!

8 months

JaimeRenee'

*****5

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you!

8 months

Paula Kerr

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful painting. I've been white water rafting on our Tully River in Queensland. It was one of the hightlights of my life. Went for a whole day. Exhilirating. Your beautiful painting just reminded me of it. Thank you so much. XXX Paula

8 months

Chuck Larivey

You're very welcome Paula, rafting and kayaking is real big here, plus the river is inter-city and very accessible. A truly great place to study people at play and fast water. Have you tied painting rapids?

8 months

Graeme Myrteza

hi chuck painting the light comming through trees like you have is very difficult youve done it perfectly great work

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you Graeme, coming from a fellow landscape painter it's very much appreciated!

8 months

Antonino Ercolino

Delicate and poetic colors. 5*

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you....very much like your own work...you seem to capture the soul easily!

8 months

renato

nice sunset

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you Renato!

8 months

Louwtjie Kotzé

Lovely work, you really captured the sunset mood and the waterfall is excellent!

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you Louwtjie! hope to see you at your centennial:=)

8 months

Paula Cristina Machado

Beautiful painting. I can listen to the water and feel the peace of the place!

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you....I like your blue floral...it reminds me of blue cornflowers I've painted in the past.

8 months

Diculescu

Beautiful painting!

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you Diculescu!

8 months

Robert Doesburg

Strong Chuck!!...Very strong....Like the colours of the sunset...The water is wild...:-)
Great job

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Hi Robert, really nice to hear from you...thank you for the encouraging words :=)

8 months

Dawn McGuire

I Love the light and the atmosphere so much, beautiful texture and brushwork...really beautiful work Chuck...5*****

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you Dawn :=)

8 months

debbi chan (sosum)

what a beautifulsunset. you managed to capture that sunset without overpowering the color or effect or, the other parts of the painting. in most chinese traditional paintings, water and sky tend to be done without fanfare so i really appreciate a well done picture such a yours. i also like the composition.

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Yes! harmony and simplicity :=) Thank you Debbi!

8 months

Maurice Noble

Hi Chuck, had a quick look at your gallery, very impressive work. Particulary like this one as there is so much going on, the sun through the tree's is masterful, respect, Maurice

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you for taking the time to cruise my web site....Thank you for the nice comments! I hope you do more Impressionism, your very good at it, although I didn't see much on your page...again thank you very much!

8 months

Keith Tait

great image love the water its so alive

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thanks Keith...they're fun to paint...but ya gotta be fast!

8 months

David Cressman

Thanks for your comments- my prices are in the early 3 figures - hopefully 4 figures one day!!!
Cheers David

8 months

David Cressman

Just seen your note on another of your paintings - I just saw a venice painting of Monets in Washington and his colours and tones are perfect. I think Venice would really suit your style and sure you would get hooked on the subject as much as me - on that note, im off to paint some more Venice!

8 months

Rose Gogos

ahhh!feels good,I love this

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you very much Rose!!!

8 months

Robert Doesburg

Thank you for your very nice comment on my latest work
Chuck. Not only for the comment , but also for looking so well
at my work. I can only say ; "i hope you are right about it all". Best regards , Robert

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Your welcome....I enjoyed looking at your work, very much. Nice thing about this site, I make wonderful discoveries such as yourself at every turn.

8 months

aga

I love this one.. great job 5*

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you aga!

8 months

moosje

i love to see the sun peeping behind the trees ,lovely colors and nice brushwork i love it Chuck

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Hi Moosji, Thank you for the wonderful compliments on my painting.

8 months

David Cressman

the story for breakthrough: well its a painting of my very talented musician friend who like me with me art, wants to breakthrough into the music industry - though in fact, i named it breakthrough because we were in the south of france at the time i took this reference, and he was playing on the balcony and produced this great song called breakthrough in less than 15 mins (The equivalent to your great 15min painting!)..
I actually did some more work on it tonight - funny how you see things to change once its uploaded - just a few pink tones dropped into the sky, and some minor other adjustments

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Great story:=))))Sometimes it's just a dot of colour, that makes nice...great! Just left your page, I'll be in touch

8 months

Sarah Sebastian

Love the movement xxxxxx

8 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you very much Sarah :=)

8 months

Sev

What i love about this is the way you made the water look touchable , i love the flatnes sabove the curve of the fall and the fall itself . you did it perfectly . you have a great natural talent . the type that cant be learned i think . you are unique . I love the colours you use in this , every single one.

7 months

Chuck Larivey

Hi Sev, This is a beautiful spot, hardly gets any wind, so the upper part of the falls is typically like a glass. The water sheets over perfectly smooth, even though its moving very fast. I spent at least a month and a half painting en Plein Air around this whole area. I also studied the sun most mornings to learn how to do that....this was the first larger finished piece using all the information I gathered. It took 3 days, a real challenge at that time....I have a really short attention span....I've gotten better about that now. I'm working on a 30x40, just finished my third day, it still has my attention....should finish tomorrow. Then I'm going to play with some loose stuff :=)....How about you, what are you working on? I'm surprised no one picked up on your pastel yet! I think you may be a very good impressionist too. I say that, because you have a strong detailed background, believe it or not this one of the most important ingredients. Ya gotta know it before you can mess with it! Natural talent...sometimes allowed to bloom, sometimes not! I came out of the box this way, no bounds, no rules....after 68 years nothing has changed....I suspect you did too....:=))))

7 months

Sev

I smiled at the short attention span , ive been suffering from that lately ! I thought that about you gotta know it before you mess with it bit , i agree ! i found that too . Ive been working on writing books and doing the illustrations for them . i do this because i CAN do it but what i love , am in love with is mountains . im doing an oil painting of some misty peaks , im aiming for reality . not in the amount of detail , but in the way you get it , that im really there feel and these are really real . i want that . I need always to be in the Alps and i mentally suffer if im not for any length of time . ite been over a year now and its difficult not to go running to them . I love the shape of the swiss alps , its deeply RIGHT somehow . One area in particular i just cant stay away from , i can breathe there . Im working on mountains a lot in my mind . I would love to be free to go and just work as you do . i hope i have natural talent , it seems we work the same way , look at something and think , now how do i do that , and try and try untill we CAN do that , without any idea how we are supposed to do it . :-))) lots of fun that way ! i have no art training , in fact , i avoided it at school . the art teacher offended me lol :-)(which is hard to do !) so i did science instead,

7 months

Chuck Larivey

I just finished my 30x40, it took 3 1/2 days and kept my attention until a few hours ago :=)I can only imagine the atmosphere you could get in the Alps...are you working big? I found it much easier to do the details on the 30x40, than a smaller....say 24x30. Have you done any with extreme skiers and avalanches :=) That's probably how I would tackle it the first time..I've gotten so, I like to have live movement in my work. I found my whole career interconnected in one way or the other, but always creating something from nothing...go paint some mountains:=))))

7 months

Sev

Am i working big , no . Not right now . I do like to though . for the last few years i have been fiddling and learning , i never lost my enthusiasm for life , I LOVE IT and its amazing , but ive had ten extremely tough years and i struggle with depression , my inspiration (and my concentration span ) took a serious knock . I want it back . When its back , ill paint big . i never stopped learning though and i have a lot more tools at my disposal now . I want to paint big , i want show stoppers , i want WOW OMG LOOK AT THAT ! when people see my work . but i want real . i want the life force of the mountain to pour out of my work , or my wildlife . i want reality more than anything , but NOT photorealistic , that isnt enough , did that make sense ? il get it back , im working on it , and you are doing wonders inspiring me , thankyou for that . People i dont paint . im fine with people online , in real life im still somewhat disconnected . im happier with the rock than the person sitting on it :-))

7 months

Chuck Larivey

I'm glad you can work large, I think your work almost demands it. It's interesting you want show stoppers, I think if an artist wants to sell their work, you paint to fill the best wall a gallery can offer, I don't think most have figured that out yet, and you have. I think your very close to real now, I can't wait until you marry it up with your mountains and big canvas, I think your about ready to do it :=))))

PS: I agree on the rock!!!

7 months

Ellaine Hush

Wow, I love it, this one gave me butterflies! regards Ellaine :o)

6 months

Chuck Larivey

Thank you Ellaine, this little spot is a favorite of mine...very remote, only locals know how to get to it. I like butterflies:=))))

6 months

zbigniew trzaska

great subtle esp the light thro trees

5 months

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Artist Statement
for Chuck Larivey

United States

Born 1941 in Buffalo, New York,some formal training, but mostly self taught. Art has been a very real part of my life, during my long career as a professional designer and artist.

I am a daily painter, specializing in landscapes, generally favoring the sun or moon with dramatic atmospheric translucent light effects.

My favorite en Plein Air subject is the suns first and last 15 minutes. Many of my paintings are developed from my en Plein Air studies and photos taken during these sessions.

This year, I spent en Plein Air painting in and around Richmond, Virginia, primarily the James River and it's rapids. Needing a change, I also completed a series of Venice paintings and found it to be an engaging and rewarding experience. My current project is London and the River Thames.

An associate member of OPA - Oil Painters of America.

I have numerous paintings in private and commercial collections in Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC., California and Nevada

I'm very pleased to be among this group of very talented international artists. I enjoy logging on to see whats new and reading every one's comments about each others work. Working in the studio or en Plein Air, I count this site as my favorite break in the day. What a nice creative support group this is. So glad I have found it.

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