Distention - GIFTED

Ok, so I know I said in my last post that I prefer to work loose and am working continuously toward that goal, BUT I neglected to say that many times I feel that the subject matter, light, whatever directed me to 'want' to paint the piece to begin with also dictates how I should paint it.  The direction on this one was obviously not as loose as usual.  I love trying variations.  Color vs tone, the music or poetry of the piece, to try to distend myself as well and keep reaching further and further.

So with that said the journey continues to the end with trying various things and loving and looking forward to each and every day I get a stab at getting perhaps, just a tad better than the day before.

Summer Picnic - SOLD

This scene may be out of season, but I guess I'm anxious for a yummy picnic.  Don't you think all food just tastes better outside?

This little picnic setting was taken from a notecard I did in pen & ink.  Palette knife only from start to finish.  I've worked with just a palette knife on and off and enjoy it each and everytime.  Loose renderings are definitley my favorite as the years go by.  Full of life, movement and texture. 

Most of the time however, I use both brush and knife.  A particular moment watching a Richard Schmid DVD comes to mind.  He had just finished making a stroke with a palette knife and I said outloud 'delicious' and to my great surprise, so did he.  Yup, this painting business is good stuff.

Bloomin' Lily - SOLD

This Bloomin' Lily was located in front of the Botanical Gardens in Balboa Park, San Diego...  the gardens there are absolutely amazing.  A plethora of flora and fauna of ginormous variety.  They even have an area inside by the entrance where you can touch, smell, rub all of the plants and ask all kinds of questions.  What started out as a security person saying, 'you can touch them if you'd like' ended up with the entire area surrounded by adults acting like kids, giggling, asking questions and talking like we'd all known each other forever.  It was great fun!

Hanging Around

A fun painting.  Umbrellas obviously on the mind since it's FINALLY raining here in the high desert of the Sierras.  We still need more please.  I cannot wait to see all of the glorious colorful wildflowers that will be springing up all over the place.  Will have to hike out with my smallest palm pochade and do a quick study or two when that happens.  Even the air will smell sweet.  Oh but I digress.  I really love the color palette in this one and the feeling I get when I see it, not only the composition, but well - can't help it, the colors.  The longer I live the more I love color.