We moved to the country just outside Tweed, Ontario…a couple of hours from Toronto; a couple of hours from Ottawa. Country life, for this city boy and his wife, is very different…but we’re lovin’ it. And I’m surrounded by inspiration.
The painting in my new blog banner is called Chalcedonica. It recently returned from a juried show in Wisconsin then was displayed at another show locally where it was named the People’ s Choice winner.
I sat in my former garden last summer and painted the image. I completed several paintings of the garden since I knew we’d be moving and these gardens represented 23 years of my life. The image above is called California Poppies. Many years ago we planted a single California Poppy and over the years they self seeded to become an amazing display.
The images were painted on stretched canvas about 11” x 14”. I started by creating texture over the entire surface with gel medium. Next day, I went outdoors and painted. The texture was applied without any thought to the composition. I just knew I wanted to apply layered, dry brushed colors and the texture would serve to break up the color application depending on the brush pressure I used. And the colors are very much a switch for me. I’m used to painting darker.
A beautiful painting Bob! I love all the texture and the variety of color. I am sorry that you didn’t move out East… I would love to have seen what you would have created when you look at the ocean. The pieces you painted with us at BDA remains my all time favorites. I look forward to seeing what you paint in your new land of inspiration.
I have missed you and your blog…I am so glad you are enjoying the country life and I do envy you both…Lorne and I talk about a long weekend up that way so maybe you’ll get a call one of these days…hey…have you got your new studio done?
Val
wow Bob think of the gardens you two will be able to have now…your paintings, as always, are beautiful.
I am heavily in to the mixed media now and found my forte…loving every moment of exploring and finally doing my own thing…