Winter Sunset Over the Creek

I started this one nearly a month ago on one of those glorious snowy days.  The snow was nearly melted the following day, so I put it on hold for the next snow.  Well, the next snow never came, so now I am finishing it in the studio.  I find it SO MUCH harder!  My photo of the scene was terrible to work from, with all that back lighting, and the colors were not at all what I painted from direct observation!  I have painted on it multiple times since then, and am now going to let it rest, to see if I any truly finished. I think I will have to live with this one for a while before calling it good.  Painting number 2190 in 2190 days.

Twilight at Loose Park

Though my own garden sprawls with reckless abandon, I do love a formal garden!  It was love at first sight at Loose Park, and I return again and again to capture the different seasons.  Starting this commission in the middle of a busy plein air season, it took me three visits to get this completed.  At 24x30, it takes a little time to get the canvas covered, and I did use a gallery wrapped canvas for this size.  I thought I would finish on my second visit between events, but time ran out as another plein air event began.  The third visit was for the final touches, and it was a good thing. The gusts were so strong I had to keep one hand on the canvas just to steady it!  See how I'm at an angle taking the photo? It's because I was afraid the wind would take it!  Painting number 1782 in 1782 days.  I think I'll start on nutcrackers tomorrow!

sold

Footpath to the Lake

I got to the park early,  knowing this large painting would take longer than my usual sizes.  Last fall,  my husband got me the largest French resistance pochade by Guerrilla. It is my fourth,  I now have 4 different sizes,  three different styles,  and I love them all!  This one is discontinued,  and at the time I ordered there were only 2 to be found anywhere - so I snapped one up while I still could. It is heavier,  and I can see how I may well have trouble in a strong wind,  but this day was calm.  Thank goodness!  Only a few strokes into my painting, a man came up and started talking to me.  We visited as I worked, and he sat down behind me.  He remained through most of the painting, until he was called away.  I have to admit, it made me a little nervous when he started popping open beers at 10:30 in the morning,  and my artist friends were not in sight. All's well that ends well,  but next time I'll make sure there's a friend in sight!  Painting number 1586 in 1586 days.  This painting is now in the front window of the Buttonwood Art Space!!