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........

Some New Current Work/Future Work?

While waiting for an important phone call- thought I'd pass some time and post a blog. Mostly pics. I'm still sketching down at the river- in the mornings before the heat strikes if it does. Had a nice and fun printing session this past Sunday- switched to flowers for a pleasant change of subject. One morning I strolled the river at high tide- it was so beautiful that I made sure to go out next morning with my camera. May play with these on the Wacom.

I might delve into a bit of sarcasm with a "practice portrait". I do not know yet.....:).

Promised Sketches

This will be short- I am laid up with a second bout of bronchitis AND costochondritis (inflamed ribs from coughing). As usual I am bored with being sick and am posting a blog. I was lucky to receive today, a book on skin tones (for future portraits) if I feel like reading. Looked through and have some new ideas.

I've been sketching alot, it's quite a joy, especially with B pencils. I've become fascinated with the plant life of the river. There are times when I DON'T sketch- like my early morning cappuccino walks- but don't be fooled- I'm still studying and observing......:)

Let me re-phrase that with pics

Apparently I have said the wrong thing again. I need to walk around this town with duck tape strapped to my mouth.

I am harassed for sketching the river, but "look"....

The Scarlet Letter

Finally had FUN today, after about three weeks of hell. And I mean HELL. Easter Sunday I went to the RRCA as it was closed- to work in peace and quiet- because of it. It has been very rough. I couldn't step outside my apartment door without being questioned, I caught various attitudes at the gym, Wawa was rough, then nice, as was the crowds on the river. Religion was shoved down my throat by those religious and I was constantly corrected in everything I said. I was slapped about by every e-mail I sent and post I posted on Facebook. Even one of my copyrights was being used! Lovely to be controlled by that. Then men started telling me what my "problem" was. I eventually had to resort to my Coast Guard training to survive it. I told my best friend- well, we are all used to it- but I had no break except in my own home or the RRCA. (Script isn't working in blogger tonite- will have to write one paragraph). Then she saw it happen. Hmmmph. Anyway- Anna Vosburgh and I had lots- LOTS of fun today at the RRCA. We're teaching at Multi-Cultural Week- next week and "had" to be there to learn how to make origami frogs. But I wanted to print too, and did, and she wanted to clean her studio (she is a studio artist as well). We both are in the "Colors of Hope" Exhibition. We worked, yakked, drank coffee, smoked, just had a grand ole time. She has so helped during this. I had nothing but my journal! Then I noticed her painting "The Scarlet Letter":) And I wanted it! Just too perfect! So we made a trade, neither of us having money. Prints for her [nudes and free-forms (sqiggles)] and the painting for me. :) And even better- the model is a friend of mine who used to work at Bogart's, tattoo laden and spirited as all get out. I LOVE the painting, more and more as I look at it:) Going to hang it over my bed......It has been truly awful. Today was so nice.....I'm half tempted to get the A as my third tattoo:)! Well, I wanted to show this off!.....