Somewhere in Croatia

I finished this work this afternoon.  You can see the progression below.  I had difficulty deciding how to add the script to the sign over the door.  It's not perfect - but after all, it's not a photograph, it's a painting!

Finished work

 

The Blue Door

In 2009 I took my husband on a tour of Croatia to celebrate his 75th birthday.  At that time, I was still using a "real" camera.  (A few years later, I purchased an iPhone - tossed my digital camera, and never looked back!)  

I remember taking architecture photos - we were on a walking tour - I took pictures of the architecture of every bit that "fit" my criteria!  I'm not exactly sure where we were, but I know I took this photo somewhere in Croatia!

I've wanted to paint this particular scene for quite some time.  I tend to not want to buy new supplies but make do with what I have.  Thus, a rectangular photo had to be drawn on a square canvas. The challenge begins!

charcoal sketch on canvas painted with acrylic background

Tomorrow I plan to take brush in hand and have a go - wish me luck!

Sunset Landscape

 I tried my hand at painting the sunset landscape I took a photo of at Corkscrew Sanctuary last week.

It needs work, but I have to step away from it for a while.  I might put a wash of a medium color over the top to tone it all down - but I need to wait for what I’ve done so far to dry.

acrylic background

oil paints

It needs work, but I have to step away from it for a while.  I might put a wash of a medium color over the top to tone it all down - but I need to wait for what I’ve done so far to dry.

original photo

"Moon" walk

Two photos - the same moon - were taken approximately 25 minutes apart.  I love my morning walks, especially when the moon is shining bright.

Corkscrew Sanctuary Adventure

 Two friends and I drove out to Corkscrew Sanctuary last night.  We were on the hunt for the Super Moon.    It rained late in the afternoon, but lucky for us it stopped before we got to the sanctuary.  The rain cooled things off a bit - it's very damp in the swamp.  There are two boardwalks - 2.5 miles and 1 mile.  We chose the long route.  Once the sun goes down, it's really dark in there.  The tree cover was so dense, that we knew it would be impossible to see the Super Moon inside the sanctuary.  We got a glimpse of it on the drive home.

Sunset

Annona glabra (tropical fruit) and its foliage

Reflection in the murky water of a large tree, its canopy, and the sky is my favorite photo of our adventure.

On the drive home, I managed to take a photo of the Super Moon while I was sitting in the backseat of my friend's car.  It was cloudy, but still...

Three Daisies

 A week ago, I created acrylic backgrounds on several stretched canvases.   This one is 9x12.  I was feeling a little down this morning.  I love daisies they are such happy, cheerful flowers.  I felt lighter once I got started and am happy with how it turned out.

Finished work

Quick sketch in charcoal

Filling in flowers with acrylic paint which I mixed myself

Added highlights to glass container

Vignette created by rubbing Derwent Intense Block on edge of canvas then smudging with wet fingers