What's with the Trucks?

"Toys Awaiting Boys II" February painting for 2016 calendar

"Toys Awaiting Boys II"  is the second time I approached this subject matter. Same spot, different arrangement, one character is missing or out playing. One of these trucks was really red the first time around. Now it is faded pink. What kind of paint was used, I wondered.

Each vehicle has its own character, a lot like Don the farmer who stopped by on his little John Deer while I was painting that day. "I'm 99 years old.", he told me that day, "Not long now."  Wasn't sure of that. Later, sure enough, his daughter-in-law disavowed his claim, "He's 89." One never knows about stories made during a painting. But in that moment, Don was 99.

That was a windy day. My shade umbrella was pulled inside out. That makes things tricky as far as seeing color. Bright days are a bit of a hazard for me. I cover up head to toe and use the umbrella to shade the work so direct light does not glare onto it and the pastels. The umbrella limped along for the rest of the season but will need to be replaced for the 2016 season of plein air.

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"Toys Awaiting Boys I" sold to someone who had to have it because it made her smile. She had come back into the gallery a second time to purchase it and it was GONE! Sold, she was told.

Disappointed, but not discouraged, she wrote me to find out if she could get a print.

Sure I said and started the process of printing the work.

Then another email. "Wait! I just found out - my husband bought the painting for a Christmas present!" she wrote. Ha! What fun. He felt he had to tell her.

Needless to say I didn't make the print sale that day but the work went to the right person.

Back in the Studio

Happy New Year to all!

To celebrate here is the first piece in the 2016 calendar.  Yes the weather outside is frightful but I find hope in featuring flowers at this time of year.  This batch of tulips begged for the aqua vase and spring light illuminated them. I am not convinced electronic viewing does it any justice.

Getting back into the studio this week, I've been working on a still life started a couple of months ago. Inspired from a workshop from 3 years ago, the color and light has me thinking warm thoughts.

The last piece from 2015 is Grapes and Roses. The unusual juxtaposition of the roses caught me. The sculptural quality of the leaves dipping in and out of space and light yet tethered to the vines unseen pulled me into the work.

Let it snow.