The reference photo was taken at Bonnie’s place, White Oak Farms, in the woods behind her house. The difficulty in this particular piece was the white. It was hard to get a light enough color without blowing out the white. I started with a toned canvas, which may have been my problem. I maybe should have started with a white canvas. I hope I am learning my lessons. LOL!
I am reading more books! Wow! LOL! I have read so many recently that I can’t think of them. Maybe I will get together a list in a couple of days. Until then, I will tell you the most recent few. I re-read The Wind in the Willows. I love that book! If you have not read it, you must just to get to know Toad of Toad Hall. And, of course, Water Rat, Mole, and Badger. Oh, I love that book! Did I already say that? LOL! And I have a particularly nicely illustrated copy.
I am almost finished with Bracebridge Hall by Washington Irving, which is so funny and interesting. When I am finished with this I will move on to The Alhambra by Irving. I got a copy of the book while we were living in Spain, near the Alhambra, but I never actually read it. It is time! And I just started Rebel Yell by S. C. Gwynne about Stonewall Jackson, one of my favorite Civil War personalities. So far, it appears that it will be a very good book.
What are you reading?
As I was walking with Toby around our yard, yesterday, I was keeping my eyes open for things to paint. I picked up some leaves. I brought them into the house, put them in my light box, and took some photos. I love this photo, but I will not be painting it during September, because it is one that would take a long time. I don’t want to do a quickie of it. It is two red hawthorn leaves, a green redbud leaf, a yellow birch leaf, and a yellow mulberry leaf.
Here are a few more photos from the last day or so. I took them and processed them with my phone. I was surprised how well they came out.
Below is the sketch of the trillium painting. I toned the canvas with a mixture of all the paint left on the palette from a few paintings ago and then did the sketch with purply gray.
There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations. — Washington Irving
exists to create art which reflects the beauty and the glory of God, to use art to comfort and encourage people, and to inspire others to pursue the arts. 