Three Expressions

Hey Friends,  I'm hoping some of you will take the time to let me know what you think.

I went out a few weeks ago past Dixie Caverns on Rt. 11 and painted this 8x10 above.  It's pretty boring but thought maybe I could make it zippier if larger.

Here is a 2nd version.   My intention was a more abstract, impressionistic version.

I think it sucks, big time.

Here is the 3rd.  This one I like !  It has been whittled down to the very last blade of grass.

I don't know if this version is impressionism or expressionism.

I would really enjoy doing more of this, but also hoping I can do it in one GO !.  I don't want to do 3 versions of every landscape so this will take a long time to learn and become 2nd nature.

I also know myself well enough, to say this might be the end of it.

HA!  Hoping not.

What I want to know is what you think of this new path.  Maybe you even have some pointers to make this easier on me.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Trails

Out Collecting Reference Photos with the DLP today

Hi Friends, Today was a beautiful, sunny day, BLUE sky.  So the DLP and I took a little trip to gather some reference photos to work from for a big exhibit coming up soon at the Arts Depot in Abingdon, Va.

Top is at Claytor Lake State Park and this (above) is where we started at the Draper Mercantile.  I had never been here (I really need to get out of the house more) and it is a really nice place with great food.  And they have live music on Friday nights and PIE !!

And here is a closeup of me and a couple tools and a cradled panel.  Getting ready to start slinging some paint for this show coming up !!

I will keep you posted so you don't miss it.

Hope you can make it.

Happy Trails

MOM'S ATTENTION

Hey Friends,  Thought you might like to see one of my latest paintings that went to Potentially Chic yesterday.   This wonderful little shop with huge ideas and products is on Brambleton Ave.here in Roanoke, Va.  Click on the link above for info and directions

This painting is 16" square and 2" deep.  The sides are black and a frame is not necessary.

Drop in and tell Gloria and Lisa, Sue sent you.

Happy Trails

Process Shots for "the FLOWER VENDOR"

Hey Friends,  Every now and then I remember to take photos as I work on a new piece.  This is the beginning of the bright collage I made for the WILD THINGS show in Bedford, Va.

It starts on a cradled panel made by Bud Shaw from Bedford.

Here I'm painting the sides with black gesso.  And yes, when I finished I had to go back over it with black.

Here is the first step of putting the collage papers down.  I had scribbled with a permanent marker on the Hen's shape first.

Then I painted on the green grass and used the palette knife to make the flower stems.

Already painted the flower shapes here.  And now I'm rubbing miceous iron onto the hen.

Here I've added details, such as the lines on the flowers and the feather lines.

I decided I didn't like the dullness of the Hen and went back with white acrylic and Liquitex markers.

I enjoyed this process but I also find it just a bit frustrating thus I don't make too many of them.

Another difficulty is a title.  Not just for the collages but any painting.  Originally I was gonna call her "the Happy Gardener" then the "Flower Gardener" but finally thought of "the Flower Vendor".

I enjoy posting these process photos and hope you like to see some of the back ground work, instead of the finished product every time.  Of course during a challenge such as in January's posts, there isn't enough time for me to take photos.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Trails