Another cloudy day

Carol posted a wonderful sky painting yesterday. Coincidentally that is what we did in group on Thursday, clouds and skies.  Carmen gave a demonstration explaining her techniques and use of color and tone.  She also told us about some other painters she had discovered on YouTube and how they went about their paintings.  It was really interesting and so much fun to watch. 
After the demo we set to work on creating our own paintings trying to use some of the tips Carmen gave us.  I think the best suggestion she had was to experiment.  Everyone approaches their canvas differently, depending on their style, what they see and want to convey.  Even though I had several photos with me I decided to put them aside and just paint my whole canvas blue and then put in some clouds.  I had no other plan.  I just wanted to lay down some paint, mix some colors, try different approaches and see what happened.
After awhile the clouds seem to take shape and lead me in a certain direction.  Some of the clouds wanted to stay light while other areas called to be darkened. Some of the canvas did not want to be clouds or sky at all but the ocean.  One little area demanded to be a piece of land!!  It really was a great exercise in mixing, setting a mood and letting go.
Donna Vines

Sunglow, 8x6 OIl Painting on Canvas

$99, Click to Purchase

Some sunrises are "quieter" than others. This one was very soft, but that's because I just didn't get there in time for the bright reds of early morning. I like the softer side of sunrise too.

"If you want to be reminded of the love of the Lord, just watch the sunrise."

That quotation is from Jeanette Walls, who wrote Glass Castles. Every whiny, demanding child should be made to read Glass Castles, about Ms Walls' childhood, to make them see how good they have it. It's a terrific book and one of those that sticks in my memory. With my memory lately, it takes a really good book to to linger in there for long.