Quiet Path

"Quiet Path"   5" x 7"   Oil on Gessobord

I've always loved these bushes.The lavenders and reds underneath and then minty blue green leaves.I've no idea what they are but they're a welcome break in the midst of all the summer greens.

Ice Cream Truck!

"Ice Cream Truck!"    5" x 7"   Oil on Gessobord

You remember, you can hear that Ice Cream Truck coming from blocks away. I came upon this jumble of bicycles, skateboards, etc. with no kids in site. Walked around the corner and there he was, the Ice Cream Man surrounded by kids.

This was quite a challenge for me.  All those ellipses and angles.  Complicated scene but trying to simplify as much as I could manage.  For a first, I'm pretty happy with it.  I'll
definitely look for some similar designs to keep working it.  

This one was in the studio, I want to be able to feel comfortable painting something like this from life.  Maybe working from still lifes in the studio would bring me closer to painting a scene like this from life outside....

The Remains

"The Remains"    5" x 7"   Oil on Gessobord

 

 

This piece of a fallen huge cottonwood sits in field close to my house.  I’ve admired it for so long.  It’s greyed, bleached out, crooked and just beautiful.  How long did it stand before it finally gave out?

The contrast of darks against the bleached wood, dried summer grasses and the greens in the few bushes, well I could not resist any longer.

South Aspen Grove

"South Aspen Grove"    5" x 7"    Oil on Gessobord

30 Paintings, 30 Days    #57  http://www.lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/

This area, Aspen Grove, is part of a trail in south Littleton next to the South Platte River.It was early morning and the light was filtering in through the trees. The farm to the east was pushed back with the heavy atmosphere that day.

I blocked in the dark values quickly before starting with color.  It did help a lot to keep my values in line.  Particularly those greys in the back.

 I took Violet back to get close to the river to give her a chance to play. She's a little tentative when it comes to water that is more than a few inches deep. I was able to lure her out further with a branch she wanted. However, the look on her face when her feet were not on solid ground was pretty funny.  I think we'll get there eventually.After all, she is a Labrador, right?

Start of the Remodel

"Start of the Remodel"  5" x 7"   Oil on Gessobord

I just stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the bright greens of the bin and the red sofa hanging out.  Love those shapes! 

Lots of folks seem to be gutting and remodeling.   I don't get it.  Used to be you had to have your house in tip top shape to sell it.  Now, it seems they go on the market as is, it's sold within a week for top dollar and then the new owners gut and remodel, say what?

Mowin" Mama

"Mowin Mama"   5" x 7"   Oil on Gessobord

This park is just a few blocks from my home.  A great walking path takes you around then back into some fields with marshes and beautiful views of our mountains.

I got a kick out of this gal on her riding mower.  She had her soda and was just so laid back and looking like she was enjoying the weather and the ride.

It’s the first time putting a figure in my painting.  I’m fairly happy with it.  Hopefully there will be more to come.

Clouds Departing

"Clouds Departing"    5" x 7"   Oil on Gessobord

30 Paintings,30 Days,  #93   http://www.lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/426520
"Clouds Departing"
5" x 7"  Oil on Gessobord
 
The walk this morning followed a stormy evening and early, early morning storms. Looking west the clouds and a light fog were lifting revealing the mountains and a beautiful blue-green sky above. Sunlight reflected off the clouds and the wet grasses and trees.

I can't seem to get the colors of the painting to come out correctly when photographing.  Blues pick up more green, darks are sometime too dark, and reds and oranges super saturate.  Not all of this is happening in this photo but boy sure common in most. 

I've got to figure out how to adjust in Elements or is it my photography skills....