The last few weeks have been filled with my preparations for the McFarlane Art Show and my trip to Hawaii. I spent last Saturday afternoon at the park finishing up a large 12 x24 of the Farm house. After several hours trying to freshen it up I found that it really did not help. So I took some time to start a new 9 x12″ of the flower boarder
and the white fence that is such a signature of this wonderful place. I have ways that I block in and construct a small painting and I’ve done so many now that occasionally they almost paint themselves. This time I benefited from the purchase of a big 2″ flat that I found delightful to paint with.
On Sunday I spent the day with fellow painter and friend Munir Kapasi. It was my planthat we go to Buford to see the plein air at the Tannery Gallery, pick up a painting of mine and and while on the way stop at the parks near the dam and get some painting in. I had no idea that my good intentions would be spoiled by the government shutdown— The parks were all closed. So after feeling a fool as I do so many times at wasting my time and Munir’s too we headed to Buford. One more time I’m dumbfounded that the gallery is closed on Sunday! But Buford is a charming spot and we were able to set up right along the tracks for a painting session. Poor Munir was just doing sketches while I’m whole hog painting and after a few hours I decided to show him mercy and pack up for the day. With a bit of ingenuity we revised the Tannery and I was able to get in the back door while one of the artist worked in their studio. This saved me another trip back as they let me pick up my painting.
That night I retouched the big farm house painting using some photos I took while there. It was later and the day and I pushed the contrasts up a bit, repainted the sky a bright cool yellow and really put in the light. End result—not bad. But not plein air anymore. The Buford painting by contrast became tight and odd. It has an interesting pay of very bright greens and bright reds at both ends that was not unforseen but perhaps not to well controlled. Too many post too—a few of those may come out.
Next entry should come from the South Pacific!