Exit 11 at Sunset

Exit 11 Sunset

Thunderclouds were passing through at sunset as we were driving toward the highway.   I took an Iphone picture of the dramatic, dark blue band that was backlit by the sinking sun.    I forgot about the picture until a couple of weeks later while looking for something else.  Once I saw the photo, I knew it had potential for a nice painting.

Path Behind the House

Getting Started

Path Behind the House - In Progress

Natural beauty isn't a plane ride away, or even a car ride away.   On this day it was literally in my own backyard.  I confess that I had made the short jaunt to the shore for a paint-out, but my two "secret" parking spots were occupied, so I returned, resigning myself to setting up at home.

Path Behind the House

There is an abutting woodland behind our property and on this spring day, only the white fir trees cast deep shadows.   The deciduous trees were only just starting to bud so this path where we walk was bright and sunlit, a bed of pine needles.  That's it;  hanging out at home.  :)
 

Angelic Statue

Angelic Statue

Cherubs and angels are plentiful in fine art, especially in the Rennaisance era and they always attract my attention.   I remember on one visit to the Boston Museum of Fine Art, I took pictures of as many angels and cherubs (both obvious and obscure) within many paintings that I could find    They were more common than you would imagine.  In addition to 2D paintings, they are often depicted in sculpture, an ethereal addition to gardens and arbors.   My inspiration for this painting began with a photo of a beautiful angel statue in a Florida butterfly garden.

I've been particularly moved recently by the sacrifices made by the many medical professionals who are treating victims of the current pandemic.   Nurses in particular play a special role in healing patients, a role that has always had my greatest admiration.  

I dedicate this painting to the many nurses - pillars of healing - who despite fires all around, remain calm, tend to every basic need, and even convince their patient without a hint of visible doubt that they would be okay.

Daffodils

Daffodils

Swiftly moving through the supermarket, I spotted this bright, beautiful, yellow bouquet of classic daffodils.    Non-essential item, but yet kind of essential, at least psychologically!   They brightened the kitchen table and provided a great still life subject.    Here you are! 

Cheer up; great spring days are coming!