Pampered Tootsies

(Tilt screen until colors pop)

 A few days ago a painter, Carol Marine, posted this photo of her friend/model ..and invited others to use it if they liked.  So here's my shot at it.  There are some things I'd like to do a little differently but overall am happy with it.  Trying to learn how to make whites pop is NOT easy.  I'd better go look at a few Sargent paintings - he is amazing.   Just noticed..I forgot her pearls!  She's a classy bather, no?!

Pleasant Lane Wildlife

too fun...found this canvas, and the original photo of these little guys (standing on the hillside behind our house), while moving my studio a couple weeks ago.  I think it's about five years old. Had only the bodies on a solid pale gray background - no heads! Happily they went in easily.  Loved working on it -and rather than detailing all the wild grass and trees I squinted and painted an abstract of the hillside lights of darks.

After all my complaining about moving into my new studio space - thought I'd share a photo.  More to do - like hang some art!   Know where I can get any? (haha)

Happy Valentine's Day

oil 8x8      just hanging out   click to enlarge

Grandson Ethan - a couple summers past...sitting out on a little dock on a lake.

What a crazy, fun, full month.  Taught two terrific classes: College of Marin-14 newbies; Drake High-7.  (sorry you all - i forgot to take photos of our activities!) Lots of wonderful new painters who tapped into their creative juices and fueled mine.

I started a 30 day challenge last month. Posted eight but then got involved in moving my studio (huge project; took way longer than I planned) so didn't finish them all.  But did learn a lot...like how hard it is to paint a full scene/landscape on a small surface!  for me - it's easier painting a 36x36-72" painting than a big scene on a small canvas. go figure!