By the Window - pencil study

By the Window
Red pencil on tinted mi-teintes paper

I almost never use a waxy, colored pencil.  I don't care for the way they resist blending, and I have to use very different techniques with them.  But, I do LOVE the colors at my beck and call!  The vintage mood I can achieve with these waxy sticks is worth the extra trouble.  This drawing is a study for a painting I soon hope to start.  I first went to my tinted charcoals, but there is no venetian red color - not even close.  With the buttery ochre paper, I really wanted to use none other than venetian red.  So, waxy drawing pencil it was!  The tooth of the paper is also quite large, which is not nearly as noticeable when using graphite or charcoal.  Sometimes, I get a feeling of excitement for things yet unseen, while working on a piece.  I have felt that all through the process on this one.  I want to paint it a bit larger, so I will have to wait for a day with a few hours of working time to start.  This is actually my second work of the day.  I did a small oil painting of geraniums and marigolds in the front bed.  Once done, I decided I wasn't happy with it - so I started on this tonight.  Maybe I can fix it up for tomorrow's posting.  With an afternoon party by the pool tomorrow, I will not have much painting time!  This is artwork number 190 in as many days.

The Letter

The Letter
Oil on panel, 9x12

This morning, I couldn't decide whether to paint my daughter, or cupcakes.  I decided on Michaela!  After my fairy tale like landscape of yesterday, I felt like something way more realistic was in order.  The overcast day let in a soft light, shedding a special glow from the windows.  It amazes me how different the light is from day to day on these interiors.  Same house, many of the same windows, and yet each one's lighting is so very different.  I started with a detailed sketch, before laying in the basic color masses.  Starting with her face, hair, near curtain and shadow areas, and then working out from there,  I always want to be sure the main focus is right.  Then. I work out into the surrounding areas.  The diffused lighting had me graying down all colors quite a bit.  This painting makes 72 in 72 days, and I just found out that Leslie Saeta will be hosting another 30 day painting challenge in the future - and that is what started me on this ritual of painting every single day!