Behind Main Street

Behind Main Street

I found this alleyway very interesting as a subject for my second of 3 paintings while at a plein air 'paint out' over the weekend.  It was hot, but I managed to squeeze myself into a seated position (which I usually don't like, and don't do) behind a shed, of sorts in this alley...
     I was so HOT, that I decided to sit, thinking that I'd stand a better chance of actually finishing the painting, and not giving up, because I was dripping wet... ha !  Well, I had fun painting, and then noticed a distinct odor of sort of rotten garbage, only to then recognize the dumpster directly behind me... well, I had to finish, anyway, and I really was pleased with the results....  Perseverance ! 

 

Tuxedo Park

  

 

  I have taken lots of reference photos, walking down the sidewalks, scanning the various views..... People that are outside on their porches, or on their lawns usually notice that I am there, I never felt any need to be sly about what I was doing.   While taking this photo, the man from across the street was pulling out of his driveway, made a U-turn and came back around to stop next to me.... He rolled his window down and said, "What are you taking pictures for?"   He then asked me if I tried to come back to the homeowners and sell them the paintings, which I've never really done, except for the time I participated in the 'Paint Webster' event last year....I don't know if it's curiosity, so much, or fear of strangers...
     Anyway, most of the pictures don't get used.  It's really hard to get just perfect shots to use, but this one I really loved the shadows on the side of house, and the way the sunlight was catching here and there....

Sweet spot

     I had lots of fun at the ribbon-cutting yesterday for the new Kirkwood business called 'Sammysoap".   My artwork is for sale there, and it's a great new little shop in the heart of Kirkwood, Missouri on Argonne across from the landmark train station.    Sammysoap is a for-profit business which was created to provide jobs for developmentally challenged adults.   Their products are made right on site, and they plan on distributing them nation wide.   The soaps they make, dozens of kinds, are great, thoughtfully produced from natural organic materials, and smell great and make your skin feel wonderful ! 
     I was able to meet most of the local business owners in the area, and talk with lots of new friends about the 'arts' in our community.   I got excited about getting involved in the community art functions.   I've never been to a 'ribbon-cutting' before, and it was fun being part of it !

     Here is another of my "Webster" homes in our community.   This one I changed the original view just a bit by re-locating a tree !

     I'm working bigger and bolder, using more color, and trying to get more excitement and energy.  Here's a new one, 11 x 14, from a photo I took in Webster Groves a week ago.   Lovely community with big older homes, many with Century placques by the front door.   Having fun with warms and cools, too !

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