I think I like the dark background for the Chess Board. I did a similar one during the ZL Feng workshop with a light background, and I think this one has more "drama" (Not something I usually like in Life, but great in a painting). I didn't think to photograph the other one before giving it away, but I am considering both of them as "practice" for a larger, chess themed painting. I like the black & white effect with the colors. I finished this painting with metallic embossing powders along the edge & to add texture to the pears. The distortion on the left side of the painting is from the tilt of my tablet as I took the photo.

I played more with the reflections and the Knight, and I know the "?Royal" piece in the back looks kinda like a wedding cake, so it needs to be worked out before the big painting gets on the watercolor paper.Now that I am comfortable with the elements, I am looking forward to the larger painting.

I shared some of my husband's fabulous stuffed peppers and  received these wonderful pears as a trade. Being me, I marveled at the texture and character, and had to paint them  at least once before they become a sweet snack . Part of the fun of painting still life is that you always have a "little something" on hand for those late night painting sessions. I am hoping these last a few days longer until I begin the big painting.

This is another study for the larger "Chess Pearings". The first study had a light wet on wet background, and I want to see the effect of the dark background without changing the first one. I am also experimenting with the chess pieces, giving them characters other than traditional. --Not sure what the rules are for that, please let me know if it's a No-No!  :) Happy Painting.!

THE CHAIRMAKER--Completed.

I have to say this painting turned out exactly as I imagined it, which happens rarely with me. I did take the time to plan it out, used limited palette, and was PATIENT to let layers dry and come back to it. The biggest thing to remember was to SAVE THE WHITE of the paper to get the bright highlights. I am bad about over painting, and am proud to say this one has just enough! I did my first layer wet into wet then used a paper towel to blot out the whites & let it dry completely. Now I know that this can work in the future if I don't rush things.

--Pretty sure there's a LIFE LESSON in there.

On to the next one!

A little water in your basement can be a good thing.... or how about "make the best of a not so nice situation?"   I had to pack up my cubby again due to some water under the new flooring. I had several paintings going, and didn't want to lose momentum, so I set up shop in the garage. A little warm, but it turns out the light on the North side of the house is amazing to paint by! I had a VERY productive afternoon, using only the light through the window.  Hopefully, I'll be back in my cubby before he snow flies, but I wish I could take the window with me.... ?!!!!!    :)

When you are struggling, it is nice to know there are those who will stand by, patiently waiting to lend comfort or support....or offer critique of your latest experiment........ (or maybe they are just waiting for their dinner) 

I have several projects going at once, and will post more soon! :)  Happy Painting!

Last Summer I was visiting Seneca Rocks visitors center during an exhibit of Chair Caning. Of course, I was more interested in the fellow who was doing the caning rather than the product he produced, but it was fascinating to watch. I was particularly interested in his hands that bent and stretched the strips, and imagined that each intricate seat he produced was something he had labored over and put himself into as he created it.

While I learned new techniques for landscapes at the WVWS workshop, I am keeping to my own technique of building layers for my portraits.

I'll keep you posted on the progress, an hope to  have this one done for the Forest Festival.