I take a little time to explore a new palette. The oranges and yellows lend to play with complementary colors. I also wanted to challenge myself with the play of light in clouds and the interplay of warm and cool colors. The subject matter has little importance as the exploration begins.

This piece was from a photograph. What intrigued me was the opportunity to challenge and change my palette. I felt I had grown too comfortable with certain colors. I wanted the oranges and yellows. A bit of red.

Chinook

Winter Project 2 from the PPASP "Subject to Interpretations" blog.

These two pieces were from a photo off the PPASP website for a painting project. The painting on top is the first painting. After I did this painting, I questioned my palette, and felt I had chosen colors I enjoy working with rather than colors that capture the image I was painting and the season and mood I intended to convey.

This was a painting from a painting that I did. The object was to loosen up with the subject material and explore the painting process.

The joy of painting

Well, I must say that I have been on an incredible journey. I return to my blog, which, I admit has been some what ignored. The job loss, income limitations, and job search was troubling and time consuming. But, that has all ended, happily, and now I return to my calling - the joy of painting.

During this time, my commitment to sketching worked well. I had a sketchbook wherever I went, and even when early for an interview, I would bring out the sketchbook and draw from inside my car. Many times these drawings were of cars.

Here are color studies of flowers from my garden.

Outing at Tea Cup Lake

An outing to Tea Cup Lake and a glorious day! We parked by little Tea Cup Lake and biked the gravel roads exploring and searching for the perfect area to paint. We ended up back at the lake, with the late afternoon sun creating interest and shadows. The grasses and bushes screamed color! Yellows and oranges and reds! I did a quick painting, attempting the color and the trails of shadow.

After the attempt at the painting, I decided to do a little more sketching with a watercolor pencil and spit. Forgot the water. Finally loosened up-what fun. The sun goes down early now, ending a great day.