Maplewood shadows

 

          I thought I'd change it up a little, making the empty space at the end of the driveway the focal point of this one.....   I really enjoyed the shadow play on the side of this red brick home in neighboring community of Maplewood.   These trees against the light background were a challenge, for sure.....

Windows into the past

     I live, and was raised in a community which contains many century homes.  Owners take much pride in displaying their certified plaques next to the front doors, telling of the history of these dwellings.  While taking pictures one sunny day, I ran across some very interesting homes, and hopefully will create some paintings of these 100 year old beauties !

Saturday studio

     In order to open the doors of the gallery where our show is presently hanging, several of our plein air painters have been doing a bit of studio work.   I started this a couple of weeks ago and gave it a finish yesterday, setting up with the same light conditions.  The ceiling are probably 15 feet high and the huge windows give incredible light for painting still-life.

Lafayette Park houses

     I almost finished this painting, DID NOT like it.... because it was 'too tight', so this morning I just started completely over.  This one I'm happy with.  The only reason I'm putting myself through this is because it's a commission.   With every single painting I LEARN something.   It's amazing how at my age (just had a birthday, #68) we can all learn SO many things, if we are open to it !  Life is so cool, that way... Each new day we can start again, and reinvent ourselves.

Muny Opera St. Louis, plein aire

     Restful lunch by the bridge over the pond.  Plein air is so much fun, and so challenging.  Finished this one in the studio.  16 x 20 oil on canvas.

Plein air on the Mississippi River

     I joined the St. Louis plein air group for another jaunt to the park, south of the city, on the river.  Beautiful sunny, yet a bit hot day.  I guess I'll look into a shade umbrella as my next purchase....

Plein air Forest Park, in St. Louis, July 18, 2014.  Clear skies, beautiful day...16 x 20 oil on canvas.

Tibet #152

     I tried something new this morning... (the dark outlines are something I did probably 35 years ago)... Anyhoo, I thought I'd do a painting of a picture from our daughter's travels to Southeast Asia, China and Tibet a couple of years ago.  She is a photographer, and now a photo and art teacher at her old high school.  

No pears painting #97

 

     This was an acrylic painted I started awhile back.  While cleaning the studio I thought I'd paint over with oil and finish it.  It makes me think I want to get some bigger canvases and use bigger brushes to cover more areas.   Set up my larger easel, while cleaning up in my messy studio, and think the change will do me good.