6 Paintings Finished

At least they are as finished as I'm going to get them.  I'm a little disappointed in the squash but I think the actual painting looks better than the photo; I'm not really happy with the painting either.   I'm going to have to change my signature to something that flows a little easier.   I used a very thin paint and a tiny brush, and it still comes out looking clunky.  Oh well, I'll post a photo of the squash because I know most of you won't be more critical than I am myself!    (Click to enlarge)

Now to hang them in the kitchen.  They will be high enough to prevent critical examination, at least from me.

Next I worked on the one I tried to paint from a photo taken in Alaska.  Here is a copy of the photo, in case you've forgotten what  it looked like.  I should never have tried it in the first place, but the reflection in the water blew me away by it's beauty and effect on the scene.

I soon knew the scene was too dark and suggested that I make autumn the season so I could add some color to the trees.  That suggestion was nixed, and my effort went from bad to worse.  I eventually set it aside and went to work on the items from my fridge - easier to paint if not as esthetically pleasing.

Well, I decided I would try to at least modify the Bob Ross method for painting trees (it can't be done).  Then I thought I would add a bit of color - just a little gold and red to the "trees" - there is no defined tree in my entire picture.  It's gone from bad to worse, but it is so bad I actually like it and it makes me smile.  I guess it's the bit of color I dabbed in there.  Nothing on either side of the river looks like a tree, so I don't think I will even try to add some tree trunks.  All I have to do now is to decide whether or not to try the reflection, and if I do, which brush should I use.   Get ready for a laugh!

Don't the "trees" look like they have Christmas lights on them?   I have the feeling that one of these days I'm going to try painting in oils, as I understand there are new products that may be safer and easier to clean up.    Can't do it for a while yet.  (Bob Ross reflections in the water don't work in acrylics either).

I could hear a little voice in my ear this morning that sounded like my dentist's voice, urging me to go to the gym.  I did and enjoyed the walk!  Now I need to begin doing some minor exercises here at home such as lifting some light weights, etc.

Looking at what I've painted so far, I realize that I have a long way to go with mixing colors.  I guess it's a matter of practice, trial and error, and I am still in the "error" stage.

I bet a lot of readers wish I would take a trip and get off the painting kick!  I don't blame you