I 'm taking advantage of the long Columbus Day weekend to work on several small paintings. A recent trip through the mountains to see the Fall Colors got me in the mood for pumpkins, and I'm really enjoying letting the colors FLOW. Using the limited palette of New Gamboge, Antwerp Blue, and Quinacridone Crimson (all transparent), I am finding the "Happy Accidents" of purples, greens and soft greys. This kind of exercise I consider to be "mental YOGA"-- I am not focusing on anything, just applying the paint and water and watching the magic happen. I'm not painting pumpkins, only focusing on contrast, light and dark areas.  VERY relaxing. Very simple drawings. Great experience.  Have a Peaceful  Day  :)

I have been working all Summer to get ready for the show in Princeton. While I did record images as I went along, I didn't take the time to post, so I will have lots of material to share over the long, cold Winter!
One BIG change I had to make in my process --- the use of "readers" for the detail work. It was one of those things where you don't realize how much you are struggling to focus until one day (when nobody was looking) I tried on my husband's readers, and BEHOLD! a new, clearer world!
Really, it wasn't that dramatic, but painting the eyes and small details is one of my favorite parts of a portrait. Seeing the magnified image helps me to "get inside"  and focus on the detail. I have always used a craft lamp with a magnifier, but the glasses made a great difference. ( I have ALWAYS celebrated "accumulated mileage", only now I am having to use the accessories, and it sneaked up on me!)
This painting, "I BELIEVE I can Fly!" makes me happy. I hope this transfers to the viewers when it's done. I used several photo references, but the end result is a happy child totally from my imagination. The hands supporting her are a big part of the story, and the viewer can make up their own story.
I went through several pencil versions trying to decide the expression: eyes open, closed, looking up, etc. I settled on this expression because of the eye contact. I think her serene expression says, "I BELIEVE I CAN FLY!"  :)