The End Of A Slow Week

Christmas preparations are beginning to take a toll on my painting time, but here's this morning's work. Turns out Williamsburg's Brilliant Yellow Pale, straight out of the tube, is the exact color of vanilla ice cream.

Hot Fudge Sundae I, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

Brightening Up

In looking at past iterations of this painting, I realize the pillars have gone from blue to hot pink to pale blue again; today I added a pink wash to them and some of the other light-catching details on the front of the building. It's brightened up considerably from how it looked the last time I worked on it, but the straight edges need to be straighter.

L'Auberge Provençale, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

Glazing The Tiles

I spent a long time late yesterday adding a layer of green glaze to the entire back wall, and another glaze layer on the cupboard. Next time around, I'll have to add some lighter spots.

Waiting At Le Diplomate, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

Pretty Cheyenne

I have yet to do justice to Cheyenne; her skin is very fair and the transitions from light to shadow are very subtle. Adding to that is the fact that these little America series paintings are 8" square, and that doesn't leave a lot of room for modeling the forms. The nose and mouth are unfinished here; I'll get to them next time.

Cheyenne, America Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

A Dessert Twosome

Feeling very cranky today as a result of spending AN HOUR trying to fix a technology problem. Plus, it's raining. And I have a zillion preparations to take care of for the holidays. I just want to paint!

So, here's the latest:

Mocha Treat, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

 

And I couldn't resist getting back to the caramel:

Banana Cream Pie, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

Tuesday, and Banana Cream Pie

More work here and there on the Tuesday painting. The light tower of bottles is sharpening up. Still much detail to do elsewhere, even on the ceiling.

Tuesday, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

 

Moving on this afternoon, I darkened some of the shadow areas on this one; the shadows had gotten overbrushed and they didn't have the contrast that they'd had originally. Also added a yellow glaze to the banana and re-drew the caramel drippings. The drippings are fun to work on, and next time around I'll be adding some paler color in places where they begin to thin out. Also some highlights!

Banana Cream Pie, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

The Holiday Painting

Sadly, this won't be finished in time for Christmas, but it's looking better and better. The freshly painted lights on the wreaths at the top corners of the piece really bring it to life! Did a lot of work on the walls and the customers today...

A Quiet Evening In Cambridge, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

Another One Down!

Finished this, this morning:

Daniel, America Series, © 2019 (click on image for larger view)

Two Down!

I've gotten this painting as far as I can take it at this point in time; truth is, I could probably do what's called another "pass" and that would take another year... But I'm calling it done (for now— unless I decide to repaint the woman's hand three weeks from now). I am breathing a heavy sigh of relief.

The Gauntlet, © 2019 (click on image for larger view)

And I finished the hands and knees on Grace! So now that's done, too— 

Grace, America Series, © 2019 (click on image for larger view)

Some Yellow

There were a number of spots in this one that needed a light lemon yellow, most of them behind the bottles in the light tower. A few are highlights on the fake rocks.

Tuesday, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

Grace Looks To The Finish Line

Another one from the America series that's almost done! Most of what's left to do is the hands and legs.

Grace, America Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

Daniel Moves Forward

This is another painting that's on the verge of being done. I worked on the eyes, and while he still has a bit of a stare, instead of the relaxed appearance in the photo reference, at least he looks better. Also painted the shirt and apron, paying special attention to the form-creating shadow areas.

Daniel, America Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

Close To Done

All that's left is a few reflections on the shop window.

The Gauntlet, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

A Shaky Hand And A Soft Brush

Shouldn't have had that second cup of coffee just before working on an architectural painting. And before the arrival of the new Snap! brushes, which hold a line better than the very soft one I was using. Darkened the wall at right and added a lot of shadows to the windows, pillars, and other places. And put in some more time on the grass, though I still don't have a handle on it.

L'Auberge Provençale, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

Moved along to a piece that I had thought I'd finished. But I caught a glimpse of it and decided I was wrong; completely repainted the face.

Katie, America Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

 

Last but not least: after letting the paint dry for at least two weeks, detailed some of the darker wave colors:

Coming Of Age In The Year 2018, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)

 

It looks darker than usual because now that the sun's setting before I finish working, I have to use interior lighting for the photos. Also, there's a lot of glare from the room light on the right side.

 

 

Almost Done

I might just use this entry as a temporary place marker, as I hope to get back to working on the hands today. If I do, this piece will be finished! I painted in all of the reflections on the right side, and they're quite wet, but they shouldn't get in the way of doing the hands. Off to have breakfast now.

The Gauntlet, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)