Wings & Water

 I started this painting 6 years ago. Got it blocked in and then seized up and put it in the attic. With an additional 6 years of observation and painting experience under my belt and help from Instructor Richard I completed the 4' x 3' canvas. I hope it speaks to The Moment--sun going down, wings leveraging, water splashing, and birds about to settle into the water. A place, time, event.

Most of the decisions for this painting were with what to do with the water. Too many darks and plants on the water competed with the elegance of the birds. Once again simplicity wins out in "what to leave in"/"what to leave out."

This is my entry for the juried fine arts show at the MN State Fair. They take about 1 in 5 entries. Cross your fingers that they like this painting as much as I do.

Hotter than Blazes

 

There is always that weird subject matter that you try your hand at and then wonder what am I going to do with this painting? Where can I put it in my house that could startle or humor someone at its discovery? This one moves around the house for my own amusement. It is the "portrait" of a Mexican good luck skeleton, which I don't understand, but local Mexican artists probably sell a number of them as objects of curiosity. Certainly could sell some toothpaste. I had to restrain myself from adding a bit of starburst sparkle to his nice set of choppers. (I posted 3 new paintings today--see more below). 

Life Drawing

 

We have had a number of rainy Saturdays, so this sketch was completed at one of them. Skye is a fabulous model and can stay motionless longer than any other human I have ever met, which makes it infinitely easier for the artists who struggle to do justice to her form and beauty.

Peonies

I took time to enjoy the beautiful peonies in my yard by bringing indoors a couple of bouquets. I can't judge if it was the whiteness or the amazing fragrance that delighted me more! Their presence filled my kitchen and gave it a simple elegance. I took up the challenge of painting their white volume complete with ridges and ruffles with some success. I regret, along with lilacs, the short spring season of their blooms and fragrance adding beauty and fragrance to my outdoor living space.