This model was interesting, in her fancy mask and pretty costume.  I hope you wonder what is going on behind the mask.  I wonder what the model thinks about sitting still for long periods.  She was a wonderful model. 

If you look back a few paintings you will find the beginning of this painting.  My best paintings have to go through a transformation that takes time and guts.  It is difficult to go back into a painting that is just so, but not quite (if you know what I mean.)  I study a long time and then begin edit and add, just like an author telling a story.  It helps me to blog about this process, because it validates it for me.  It all becomes my Artist's Statement.

Yes, this is the same painting.  I wanted to create a little tension by superimposing the straight lines and geometric shapes to create interesting negative shapes.  I used value  to help guide the eye around the painting.  The pops of orange along with a few well placed turquoise pieces gave it a fresh look that I like.   

Progression.  I would like to show this new floral.  This isn't it, but it is the beginning.  It is where the tough part begins because I like it so far, but I know it lacks drama and presence that I know it can have if I just trust my instincts to push a little more.  It is painted using a series of photographs of iris that I took a few years ago.  They grow beside and in my pond.  I love the elegance and stately presence of iris. 

We are still looking for rain here in the Hill Country.  We get some promising clouds that are lovely, just not enough rain to make a difference.  This painting is about the clouds that show so much promise but don't deliver.  I am titling it Promises, in the hope that at some point the promises will be kept. 

White.  I love the soft petals.  I hope you do too.

Pink.  Just felt like sharing this one today.  Hope you like it. 

Bluebonnet Spring is a small watercolor that is done on smooth watercolor paper (hot press) that has a coat of gesso on it.  I enjoy the freedom that I have with this ground because it is easier to correct problems and rework areas. 

Yellow Tulips.  Need I say more?  I worked with the negative shapes on this narrow, vertical format.  I had the most trouble with the tulip shapes because I wanted them to be abstracted and loose, but still recognizable.  The colors were also tricky because the greens were a little colder than I thought I wanted.  The black helped tone down the green and I was happy.  I still need to sign it, but it is ready for a frame.