MYSTERY PAINTING part deux

references- maybe 2 of 11 photos

30x30 oil on linen
You guessed it - right? I never realized how many white horses are out there. What attracted me were the horses in and out of shadows. The sunny day lit up the white ones, while the bay and palomino and the appaloosa( I think) are undefined in the shadows. There is still much to be done on the horses. I discovered the shadowy ones are as tricky to paint as the prominent white horses. This is another example of driving down the road, screeching the car to a halt to turn around and get the photos. Gee, I would have liked to paint on location, but another event was calling. The backdrop wasn't inspiring. We'll see how it turns out. Stay tuned for the finale.
You decide if it flops. Here is your chance to critique the MYSTERY PAINTING. You can give suggestions in this almost finished stage or wait for the final posting. Whaddya say? Leave your comments and let's see how everyone sees it. thanks!

MYSTERY PAINTING

detail

detail

detail

Today I will play a game with you. Here are some close-ups of the latest 30x30 oil painting. Tomorrow I will give you the large version - it will probably be 70% done by then. If you follow the blog, you will probably figure what the painting is about.

Whether it's a person or an object, I approach it in terms of mass and color- putting it together like a jigsaw puzzle. No lines or preliminary drawing. That's not to say the subject is not drawn, it's just not in a linear manner. I'm asking myself: how dark?, how light? what color? cooler here? warmer there? what shape is that color I'm seeing? By golly, it adds up to something recognizable!

MORE MORNING GLORIES

Here are the morning glory blooms I've been painting for the Fairhope Art Festival coming up this weekend. This is spring break week for the schools, and "March Madness" is ongoing. Suppose anyone wants to get out for the art show? I know I do - I'm celebrating the beginning of Spring.

These are on cradled board - great for small spots in the home, and easy to hang or set on a small easel. All are 6x6, except the double bloom which is 8x8.

$95 for the 6x6, $105 for the 8x8 double bloom. Contact Robin and I can set up Pay Pal ( you don't have to be a Pay Pal member)

ENERGEN WONDERS OF ALABAMA ART

White Summer, 20x24 oil
Wow, White Summer was accepted into the Energen Corporation Wonders of Alabama Art competition! I delivered it today, and I really wished I could have peeked at the other entries in the show. I'll just have to wait- like you.
I invite you to see the show -

THE WONDERS OF ALABAMA ART

10th annual Energen Art Competition

March 23rd through April 5

at Energen Plaza

605 Richard Arrington Blvd N.

Birmingham Al

you would also enjoy the reception (where the artists hang out) on

Sunday April 5th from 3 to 5

Energen Corporation is across from the Tutwiler Hotel and near the library in downtown Birmingham Al

HERE COMES SPRING

6X6, oil on cradled panel $95 (Morning Glory)
HERE COMES SPRING
Here's a blurry photo of flowers I've been working on for the FAIRHOPE ART FESTIVAL coming up next weekend, March 20,21& 22. I'm rushing spring - there is seldom enough spring weather for me, so flowers are a way to extend the season. Several years ago we had a great spray of these morning glory vines. I took the photos with my old Pentax, and now I can see a big difference in the digital photos I take. The Pentax made much sharper images. I don't need a great photo for painting, but these old snapshots almost make me feel nostalgic for the good ole days.
Anyway, I want to have a good selection of affordable paintings for the show, and I hope you get to come see them.
hey - that photo looks like I'm actually holding a flower! I'm really holding the cradled board with one hand and the camera in the other to keep the glare off the wet paint.