Lilac in the Garden

Lilac in the Garden
Oil on panel, 14x11
Augusta Plein Air Festival

Some painting days just do not play out as planned.  I started this painting on the day of the Montelle Winery paint-out.  When only half blocked in, my location became very crowded - and the wind started blowing so much smoke my way.  All I could do was breathe into my jacket, hold my breath long enough to fold up my easel - and make a mad dash for fresh air!  I soon found out it was almost impossible.  I ended by setting up partially down the walking trail off the south side of the winery - with only 45 minutes left on a timed event.  I didn't even try to finish this, I simply moved on to a small 6x6 - turning it in just in the nick of time!  The wild, impressionistic strokes are clearly visible on this as I was frantically trying to get it blocked in!  My difficulty in breathing gave this a very dreamy feel - or is that the lack of oxygen look?  Once again, what the artist is feeling truly comes through in the paints.  Painting number 511 in 511 days.

Andrea

Andrea
Oil on panel, 9x12
sold

This is my very first portrait painting from life!  Oh my gosh - it was exhilarating!  Just like the first time I completed a graphite portrait, joy and excitement welled up inside of me - I LOVED it!  Who knew?  I could so easily become addicted to this life drawing/painting work!  I am taking a figure and portrait painting workshop all this week, so each day there will be a live model or two to paint.  On working on this one, I realize my panels are not toned right for portrait work.  So, I must re-prime a few tonight for the next few days with a cooler, lighter shade.  Several are using white panels, but I just can't make myself do it, so we'll see how tomorrow goes.  I may just come home and prime in a different shade yet!  With all of my drawing background, actually getting a likeness is the easy part.  Now, I will concentrate on getting the right color temperatures to breathe life into each piece.  I am so excited for tomorrow!!  How will I ever get to sleep tonight?  I know this must sound crazy to those non-artists, but this is truly what art does to me - stirs my soul with a burning desire to create!  Painting number 420 in as many days - and my dad continues to improve with each day :)