"A PLAYFUL RECEPTION"

20x16, oil on raymar canvas, sold

Today I was reading a chapter in my Singer Sargent coffee table book about posing children for a painting.  I was amazed that he actually had children sit for him.  I can not imagine how difficult it was for them to stay still and maintain the gesture and character of the pose.  As a child I would have found that I would not have much to gain by being a good model.  Sargent must have had a wonderful sensitivity to the children he painted to get such beautifully expressive results.

I can only hope to capture those moments with my nifty little camera, which is always ready to go.  I sometimes find that I am so focused on the moment to catch that the moment at hand gets by me.  Meaning I am not always paying attention to the obvious, at least that's what I have been told.  

I was fortunate to attend a wedding last weekend that was just a very, very happy affair for more than the obvious reasons of love and happiness.  Life has it's trials and faith is sometimes wavering.  In this case faith and hope prevailed and joined two lovely people.  It was an event where everyone was completely happy for this couple who are older and wiser and know what is truly good in is life.  Don't sweat the small stuff and live,  love and be thankful.  Sometimes hard to remember, but a goal each day nonetheless.

The sweet little girl was the flower girl.  After doing her part to make all of us laugh and smile she took to playing in the courtyard with her sister and twin brothers.  They played as I would think the children of Sargent's day did...with imagination.

Through My Garden Gate 8x10 oil

Got out mid to late afternoon today to paint this one.  I kept thinking I would start painting inside, but wanted to try this busy scene to see if I could simplify it.  there are several layers and I have trouble with dark foliage in the distance.  Like what color is that anyway.  So here it is..I think it is a bit busy or dotty.  To many iceberg roses, I got a little carried away.

So this is the walkway close to the house in the back yard.  I am sitting under the Crepe Myrtle tree that I painted in my last post.  I have a thing for gates and walkways as they feel hopeful and inviting.  This leads to our driveway where lots of basketball has been and still is played.  I have several broken roof tiles to prove it.  It is an area of energy and action.  With three boys and their friends, it is a place to escape, shoot a few and return to whatever.  To the right is an old Orange Tree that has been in the background of many Christmas photos.  Love to send those back to the Midwest.  So I continue with "About the House"...

Lemons, Tomatoes and Things 20x10 oil

Continuing with my series.  Does two constitute a series?  Just kidding.  I will go back outside today.  So this is our side yard where we have two Meyer Lemon trees that are producing like crazy.  Lots of lemonaid this summer.  Now we have a couple of tomatoe plant starting to really produce.  Our lime tree is a bit stingy, but hopeful.  I love this place!  I go out with my apron and gather up the crops.  

This is also a place that gathers the broken with hope.  A place that old tables, stepping stones,  and yard equipment that is either not used, but might be in the future or things broke that have a slim chance of coming back.  These things fall into the forgotten and unnoticed.

This is also a place that cigarette butts have been found over the years.  I think they blow in with that gentle breeze I talked about yesterday, because know one in my house knows how they got there.  

As far as the painting goes, I'm not sure I'm done.  Needs finishing I think.  This long format is hard and I feel the forground is disconnected.  All in all it was fun to do one this large in plein air.  I like paths and will try this again.

Happy Birthday Spencer : )  Twenty years....