Alla Prima Before and After

Today's alla prima (pond from Waltman Park on the riverwalk)- the toned under painting and finished painting. Sorry, photo is a little skewed. This is 9x12. Lots of fun to paint- I'm really enjoying the alla prima process, being spontaneous and letting the paint sit where it happens. Toning the canvas is very nice as it turns- I can forget about "bare" spots. These paintings "just happen"- I'm sure in the back of my mind resides my training- but I never plan a finished product. That's the fun. I have two more canvases to attack for a Studio Artist Show at the RRCA this month.

Someone asked, and I'm happy to report my inflamed ribs (costochondritus) are healing quite well. But it's been a slow process- it is almost two months since the injury now. I am able to lift weights quite easily (light) and today used the stomach crunch machine at 50 lbs- I usually do 80- so I am progressing. As I won't have to swim as much to exercise the site, I will have more time for art!....

90 River Sketches!

Just a little glimpse of my sketchbook- tonite I completed the 90th sketch. It's been too hot to go out really, but tonight was beautiful. When it gets unbearable again I have it in mind to stay inside and paint three rivers I've blocked out- will post if I do!

Happy

No pics this morning, though I've been sketching a lot still. I planned to paint since my last post but actually got caught up in my art reading instead. But it's all still work. Even sitting and studying an underpainting. This morning I caught up on my art and yoga e-mails. The peace IN my home is wonderful. No invasions of chaos- whether by conversation OR "friendly" e-mail (I have recently lost two friends- after adjusting- I find myself quite happy with the loss of distraction) and once you remove yourself- you see the trouble you might have been headed for.- I also got caught up in healing my injury- the costochondritis-in the hospital screaming in pain over twisting and turning for x-rays a month ago today- the diligence has paid off and I'm quite enthused about it. I swam for weeks supported by foam noodles and a belt- I can now swim unaided, laps again, had two swimming sessions yesterday and a bike ride. Simple yoga every other day. I'm still in minor pain sometimes, and might be for a few more weeks, but I am healing and it's encouraging. One of the life guards said I was experiencing a "natural hi"- which is better than an "ill-eagle high"- 'scuse me, that's how it was presented to me-:)- I have exercised for years, I know the game. I'm getting my health back and I'm glad, that's what matters.
Really disappearing into the paint this week- my schedule is clear. Maybe eventually have a surprise- picked up a new large canvas this week. Eager........