And Painting-Needs-A-Name is done!

Finished!! And what's even better is that I'm truly happy with it! 

I added large ripple lines to help the reflection read as a reflection, which was a bit terrifying. Before I bit the bullet and did it, I put a piece of tracing paper on top and painting the blue ripples on the tracing paper. I've never tried that trick before but it totally worked! I knew instantly I had to do it. Took a lot of the fear (of ruining the painting) out of the equation, which is always nice. Especially because throughout this painting, I enjoyed a freeing sense, a lack of fear and restraint. Trying to figure out how to work that into the title...

Almost there

After a long weekend of camping, hiking, and waterfall hunting, I was totally inspired and HAD to paint. Natural beauty does that to me. I just can't get enough of it. You should see how many pictures I take! Thanks heavens for digital cameras. I would totally go broke if it was still back in the days of developing film to see what you managed to capture. But before I could start something new, I was ready to tackle this unfinished one with a new eye and enthusiasm.

I like the flow and the softness. I did realize earlier this evening that it was too soft and punched up the colors so that the trees and hills looked more solid. Wish I could finish it now but after three nights on a hard ground in a tent with five children, I gotta catch up on some sleep!

Reflections x2!

I haven't been painting a lot lately but I bought a little sketchbook and have been sketching my kids daily, in kind of a visual journal of little things we've been up to. I'm totally out of practice! But it feels good to be stretching those muscles a little, getting back to basics. Now if only they'd stay still long enough for me to get a good drawing in 😉 

One way or the other though, it got me inspired. That and a beautiful sunny day today that seemed to just leave us all in a happier mood. So I pulled out an old photograph - I think it's from 4 or 5 years ago. I don't usually do this but I'll share the inspiration photo here:

I'm so drawn to this peaceful scene with the crystal reflection but I've never actually sat down to paint it. After a few thumbnail sketches designed to help me choose the best composition, I remembered why - I can't decide how I want to go about it. So I didn't choose! I taped two pieces of paper down, side-by-side and got started painting the same picture twice. At the same time! Never done that before but I'm happy with the results so far. Funny how they don't look at all the same so far!

Can't wait to see where it goes tomorrow.