Cantina Dancer

Cantina Dancer
Oil on panel, 6x12

With a busy day under my belt, the wise decision tonight would have been to choose a small, easy subject.......but my heart was leaning in another direction.  I took my first Zumba class on Friday - and it was SO much fun, and the images of dancers kept creeping into my mind.  I have never painted them, and have always wanted to - so, once again, I am experimenting with totally new subject matter!  Using loose, impressionistic strokes to show the movement, this was a constant push and pull with the temperature.  The darks of the background are reflecting the light too much, since I have finished this so late in the day.  I will try to take a better one in the daylight.  I'm letting this painting rest for the night, but I may very well make a few changes on the face and back when viewed in natural light.  This one makes 384 in 384 days and day 19 in the 30 day painting challenge.  I should totally choose an easier subject tomorrow!

Rose Garden Sanctuary

Rose Garden Sanctuary
Oil on panel, 10x8

Today, I am painting the beautiful roses at Unity Village in Lee's Summit, MO.  I can remember walking through the rose gardens on warm Sundays as a child.  I would hold my Mom's hand, and then go to my Grandma's hand, smelling the roses along the way.  My younger brother explored the side paths along the way.  I can remember the feel of my Grandma's yellow dress on the back of my hand as we walked.  She was always so well dressed.  Still and quiet now, these roses have seen many weddings, and witnessed many celebrations.  This place is truly a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of life.  This painting makes 77 in 77 days :)

Light through the Arches

Light through the Arches
Oil on panel, 11x14

Last September, a dear painting friend and I went out to Unity Village in Lee's Summit to do a little plein air painting.  This is one of the reference shots from that day.  I love the architecture out there - it is like traveling to another country to paint!  The morning sun streaming in through these arches instantly caught my attention.  I love the angles and the curves - all working together with the light and shadow, to tell an inviting and peaceful story.  I used to attend this church as a young girl with my grandma, mom, and brother.  I first sketched this scene on the panel, then applied a detailed underpainting.  Once my values were established, I had some fun with the palette knife.  Not nearly as crazy as yesterday, but enough to add to the texture throughout.  I did have thoughts of trying the fracturing technique on this, but the complexity of the composition persuaded me not to!  I think I will try that technique again tomorrow - on something simple, so I don't get in over my head!  Well, this makes 68 paintings in as many days.  Can't believe I am maintaining this pace.  That, in itself, is a miracle.