Reaching Shadows

"Reaching Shadows"
6" x 6"
Oil on canvas panel
The sun had risen above the horizon as I walked into the woods that morning. It cast spidery shadows down the hillside where tobogganers would soon be making their own paths.  

I painted the sky and snow over a black canvas panel, then used my rubber-tipped "Colour Shaper" to sculpt the tree trunks and branches in the wet paint. This is my last post for this year. 2014 was a year of exploration, realization and clarity. Thank you for each part you contributed to.

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
CarolKeene.com
Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com

Ginger Blossom's Pergola

"Ginger Blossom's Pergola"
9" x 12"
Pastel on gessoed hardboard
It was July when I painted at Ginger Blossom's place. I was standing in the shade of one of her large trees, painting a pastoral landscape in the opposite direction of this architectural delight. Several of my friends painted this, but I wasn't up for the straight lines of six columns, nor the crossbeams, either. And I don't know what made me want to explore them tonight, except the light.  

Now that it's done, I won't be painting much architecture in the next few weeks. Except for house portraits. Even though I started painting decades ago with watercolor barns, I'm not fond of straight lines. Give me a curve any day.

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
Dailypainters.com
Dailypaintworks.com


Peony Vase

"Peony Bowl"
10"x 8"
Oil on wrapped canvas
I have two bushes of pale pink peonies tucked in close to the south side of my house. They thrive in that protected environment, and I revel in their early blooms. By the time spring comes to the suburbs of Chicago I'm not only grateful for their robust blossoms, but their fragrant surge of spice.  

This small painting is a study for a larger piece. I addressed some of the problems of its reflections, values, buds/no buds, cool light, warm shadows, etc.  I know what I want to do now.  I hope to begin the large piece in two weeks, at which time I'll post the progression from photo to drawing, through finished piece.  Goals. I love goals.

Thank you for visiting,
Carol