Week 66

I have a confession. I have not been touching the skin or faces on any of the quickies (with the exception of the Wanderer). So when Laert said “this one is yours”, I balked but then made a deft grab for my brush. Beginning on the face, I worked timidly but with determination. When I made a mistake Laert’s “teacher mode” came out, which can sometimes put me out. I felt my heart saying “I WILL do this! No one can stop me. I will not be discouraged or stop.” I was remembering how it took Laert time and several paintings to figure out how best to achieve skin on a quick painting. My heart held on white-knuckled and I with intention and loose hands finished the face. Gasp! I loved it! The rest of the skin was easy after, especially with my palette set up. And then the hands were last- yes, I did those too. The thrill of a challenge well met surged through me.

I thought back to how we set up this image. In the forest with my extended family (which consists of 5 nuclear families and a total of 8 grandchildren) I knew we had to make space for a photo shoot with my nieces. Because Hurricane Harvey took out several bridges and there were felled trees over the somewhat muddy paths, the trails were technically closed. Trailblazing with a spirit of adventure, we discovered an amazing little cove. There was a wooden foot bridge under silent sweeping Spanish moss. Around the bend was an opening to the lake with a sliver of sandy beach. We took our photo shoot on and around the entire terrain before the 5 girls succumbed entirely to the joy of splashing and swimming.

The eldest niece, took her modeling job seriously. She was more than willing to follow our lead and try new places. It was nice to work rather than wrangle! (Thankfully, my mom was there to help corral and encourage the others!)

In the studio, we had to combine two images in photoshop that were slightly different to achieve this painting. One had her eyes just perfect- the other extended our scene just right. It was the first time to do that for one of these quickies.

There were several “firsts” with this painting which by their nature cause it to be a pivotal piece. It’s important for an artist to be appreciated by others, but more importantly to appreciate your own work. To get to that place is a true accomplishment.

“Stepping into Peace”

24x36 | Oil on Wood