Two for Today....

This is my second post for today. I thought my first painting since arriving home would be from the photos I posted (below) but after lunch I noticed new pears on our tree so went out to pick a couple. Thought I'd taste them but they were so cute and little ...so I painted them first.  I'll move on to the trip paintings soon.  Does anyone know what type of pears these are?  I call them "winter pears" -they are small - about the size of a plum, if that.

Some "kodak moments"....

Finally back and getting over jet-lag.  Thought I'd post just a few photos - hope that you can use some for your own paintings. I welcome you to save to your desktop and then zoom in to find something that inspires you.

Most of these photos are from Sunday's Munch's Oktoberfest Parade. We planned to skip all things Oktoberfest but on Saturday met a man who has organized these parades for years. He talked us into going. SO GLAD we did.   Over 65 "villages''/cultures were represented mostly from Bavaria but also from a few neighboring countries - Switzerland, Italy, Austria.  The traditional costumes were terrifice. All ages joined in. And bands, acrobats as well.  We were so in the spirit after the parade we decided to head over to the beer tents and amusement park.  What a riot!  Had some great beer and lots of laughs.  

Now back to the studio  - time to get back to reality.   

These eggs are NOT dyed.  Amazing, no?

Just along the street in Munich. Everyone rides bikes. All ages.  They serious, wide bike lanes and you better not walk or step out into them!  They move like cars.  No one wears helmets which is a bit scary.

A city beer garden in the English Gardens park.

This is a woodworker's studio in Hallstatt Austria.  Very cool place.

Something for You ....to paint?

I've been pretty bad about posting, no?  One excuse is that we are on vacation...and the other is that I was getting ready to go on vacation...  OK poor excuses.  I'm sending you this photo because it's pretty cool - both the foreground locks..and the background 'ain't bad either'.  This is a snap from the Old Town bridge in Heidelberg.  A really charming place.  The locks: lovers lock their love forever and throw the key into the river.  I've heard this is done in France and other places - going 'viral'. Just began here.  Unfortunately there's not much to lock to on this old bridge. A few small iron hooks here and there.  -colorful. Maybe something you'd like to paint? Zoom in.  Next, spent a full day hiking 3 lakes in Seefeld Austria (alps - chalets - beir). Now in Salzburg.  Am sketching here and there.  Will post more photos for you to paint from as time goes along
Auf Wiedersehen

Who? ..me...

So serious.... what's that about?  I had a really fun time with this project even if it doesn't look like it.   My painter pal Linda was visiting this weekend -- we created a 'self-portrait' challenge Sunday.   I decided to play with color and values rather than go with traditional flesh tones.  My grandson's response: "It's good Nona...it looks like an alien. (then quickly...A good alien."!
Why so serious?...had a hand-mirror set up right next to the canvas board on the easel.  Eyes going back and forth - intent on finding the planes/values/soft and hard edges.  So focused on working things out - you forget to smile are yourself (plus you feel a bit silly smiling into a mirror all afternoon)  And yes..I did ignore many of those 'laugh' lines... :-)