19 Years, plus a Week

Has anyone ever asked you "How long did it take you to do that painting?" I have!

As I paint, I like to take photos of the progression of the work. It helps me see the development of the piece. As an instructor, it also helps me with my lesson planning.

Here are a few of the many steps in creating this piece:

I spend a lot of time working on the design, Once I have that figured out, I paint the outline then cover the entire canvas with a base coat, usually of quin gold or Indian yellow.

Next I block in some of the elements, usually working on the sky first. Since I had blue on my palette, I went ahead and started on the water.

Next came the rocks, trees and foreground water.

I enjoyed fine tuning the trees, working back in forth between the sky and trees.

Even though it wasn't in the original photo, I wanted to add some motion and interest to the water. That was fun to do.

My finished painting 

"Remote Possibility", 24 x 24", acrylic on canvas

Next time someone asks me how long this painting took me, my answer will be 19 years + a week.


Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

The Art of Distraction

I was off to the store to buy some mushrooms. I had requested turkey tetrazzini for supper - a tasty way of using up some of our left-over turkey.

I decided to make a pit stop first, so I pulled off the road at Nile Creek.

The view was spectacular. When I saw the magnesium blue sky, the titanium white clouds with the mountains in the background, I wanted to drop down to the ground, bow to Mother Nature and, as artist Brian Buckrell would say. "Knock off a painting." But remember I was on my way to buy mushrooms, and I didn't have any paints or canvas with me. I did have my camera! (never leave home without it)

I walked around took many shots, sat down and breathed. Nobody was there. I had this amazing spot to myself for a time. "I am so blessed to have this kind of view in my backyard." I watched the birds for a long while as they splashed and squawked about who knows what.

I stopped and picked up a piece of drift wood. I took more photos, squished through the sand, turned over a sea shell...and then remembered "Mushrooms!" Oh ya, I was suppose to go to the store.

It's very easy for me to get diverted off my original course, especially when you live on beautiful Vancouver Island. The Art of Distraction is everywhere!

Yes, I did get the store, I did buy some mushrooms and the tettrazzina that night was delicious!!!


Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan