A Taste of Europe

A Taste of Europe
Oil on panel, 8x10

This painting was started en plein air in acrylic, and finished today in oils.  The very geometric lines of the buildings drew me in - calling to be painted.  All of the different roof pitches and angles make for some fun and dramatic perspective!  This painting has become more of a portrayal of what I would do with the north side of the Longview Shelter Barn - adding window boxes and flowers to adorn the beautiful building.  Since we are beginning to plan a trip to Europe - these additions to add a little european flare were only natural!  Isn't artistic license great?  The thing I love best about painting every day, is getting up each morning, and just being able to paint whatever I feel like painting.  It is liberating and exhilarating, just a little piece of freedom in a very busy life.  I think this is called painting therapy!  So, this is the 36th day of completed paintings........and I guess that makes 36 days of therapy!

Longview Shelter Barn

Longview Shelter Barn
Oil on panel, 8x10

I started this painting at a Summit Art plein air paint-out at the Longview Farm, graciously hosted by David Gale.  The day was warm and sunny, and I was drawn to the way the light hit the south side of this grand barn.  At the time, I was using acrylics, and had completely underpainted this beautiful building.  Now that I am using primarily oils, I thought it the perfect time to go back to this piece and finish it.  I'm using a couple of new colors here, both by Terre Grezze D'Italia - antique green earth and the yellow earth.  I've used the yellow earth on several recent pieces - I like the color, which is warmer than yellow ochre.  I have never really liked yellow ochre, it is too dirty a shade for me.  The cool thing about these paints is that they are coarsely ground - and that texture shows in the strokes (especially good for earth and foliage).  I really want to work on buildings before the new plein air season gets busy in the spring.  Maybe, I'll reach the point where these buildings are easy!  34 paintings in a row........