waterlily pond

If you take a look at the first painting in the last Post, you will see the basis of this finished work. Yes, it takes many sessions to become satisfied with a painting. Even then I may pick the canvas out some years later and give it another go. This canvas is 100 X 120 cm., has many layers beneath it including one of paper which gives it a richness of texture and patterns. It feels to me as I look at it hanging on the living room wall as if I am gazing into a pond full of James Brydon's on a warm summer day. These red water lilies appear to be sacred bowls of deep colors attracting insects which drown in the nectar. A stream of light hits the lily pads becoming golden in the late summer light.

I am in a flow of painting flowering waterlilies in our bassins. good thing it grabbed me before the summer is over. The lower painting is still in process. I did it in and must go on to hopefully revive it.

Time to start giving attention to portrait painting. Here is one of my 25 x 25 cm. oil paintings on panel for the Hospice Group in Nieuwkoop. all the volunteers have been here to sit for a "conversation painting". I am very proud of the wall of portraits hanging in the house. The situation of talking with each other gives me such inspiration. I just let it roll.

exhibition

"Early Summer Morning"" is the title of this study I painted while sitting in the boat. 35 X 52 cm., oil on canvas and very impressionistic. I am using it for the poster advertising the show opening on Monday. "Kunst in het Gemeentehuis, Teylersplein 1, 2441 LE Nieuwveen, S. Holland. It runs from 6 August until the 12th of September, 9 to 12 workdays. Lots of flower, landscape and a few portraits in this show. You are sincerely invited to come take a look.

A July Saturday

Back to painting waterlilies today. our gardens are spectacular this year. somewhere in the distance Herman is picking buckets and buckets of blue berries.

Garden Notes

Just looked at my artist friend, Lynn Golden's Blog. I realize how much our relationship inspires and influences me. Thanks, Lynn, for our mutual commitment to the love of color and movement.
This oil painting over paper over a failed canvas of long ago is ripening on the living room wall. just maybe I might have the courage to leave it this way? My garden is exceptionally full and gorgeous this year with all the rain and cold we had in the spring and summer.

Having a great time with watercolors in the garden. Every day is another spectacular one. Making a whole line of greeting cards, each one unique. you might order any you like.