Week 139

The bramble was thick and wild. The drop in pressure rolled up over the small hairs on our arms and the fresh smell of running water splashed into our noses. The water seemed to emerge directly from the great granite bolder reaching 12 feet proud from the leafy floor. It began in a small clear pool, the cool water bubbling up gaining strength and resolve. It played over the mossy stones until it took a drop, widening its cascade.

As we hiked through, I noted this was the spot to come back to when the sunlight became pure gold. Slipping on her pajamas at my request, my daughter ran back down the wooded path to the spot she couldn’t wait to get back to. She was shocked and delighted that I encouraged her to play in the water with her sweet, white pajamas. Her innocence, captivating and beautiful, shined so brightly she seemed to merge with the brilliant golden sunlight radiant behind her.

Playing first with wild, free strokes and then giving them a softness made an ephemeral forest background. We played with a limited palette to allow the calm, wonder of the moment to shimmer. The light is almost always the most fun to paint. Thick rolls of Naples and pink slide along our edge light, rimmed with vapor thin Zinc White and Kings Blue. As Artists, bringing the light, the wonder, curiosity and beauty into grand view is both our calling and great delight.

The Bather

24 x 36

Oil Painting on Hardwood Panel