Thursday, June 21, 2012

THE GREENS OF SUMMER

Today is the Summer Solstice, the first official day of summer.  It's been hot all week so sure has felt like summer this week.  Beautiful, warm, sunny weather!  Hope you are enjoying your summer (or winter) wherever you are in the big world.



I have a new student in my beginner class (but lost a student, so I am still teaching 2).  I needed to get her going on what we were working on previously, so didn't have time to complete my own painting of this summer landscape.  I worked on it a little yesterday and will put the foliage in using sponges today or tomorrow.  (I don't like to leave things unfinished.)



We began a still life painting of pears Tuesday morning in "class" and they both did so well!  Not finished, but almost.  And here is my version.  I was teaching them about creating darks that are varied and how to do a vignette style in the foreground.  (And, of course, working those greens!)

This is from a photo from WetCanvas from a member called watergirl.  Great photo!  And pears are always a good subject.  In July, we'll be working on water scenes and they both seem excited about that possibility.  I think I'll use some of the San Salvador Island scenes but also some cold water scenes so they get an idea of the colors in water, depending on season and place.

I went to Deb's yesterday and caught up with Sharon and Deb and we laughed so much, it was very therapeutic. 

7 comments:

Cathy Gatland said...

Winter solstice here, and I'm looking forward to the days getting longer - and greens instead of brown and beige, like your lovely ones here - beautiful pears!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous colour in your pears. I love the fresh greens and the play of light.

Debbie Nolan said...

Your pears are lovely and the green landscape is so fresh. Green is one of my favorite colors - bet you are having fun with your students. Wish I could be one. Take care and thanks for sharing your beautiful art work.

Autumn Leaves said...

Lovely pieces, both of them Rhonda. How you do it all is beyond me. Glad you had some friend time.

RH Carpenter said...

Cathy, it is always amazing to me that I'm having summer and someone else around the world is having winter - well, it know that as a fact but it still is amazing :) Hope your winter is not too wet or cold.

Thanks, Vandy, Debbie (green is one of my least favorite colors so I'm proud of myself for working with greens!) and Sherry :) Sherry, I seem to have slowed down a bit - I used to do something every day but now it's about 3 per week or so. Life does get in the way of painting all the time! ha ha

http://carolking.wordpress.com said...

The pears glow! As does your water in the landscape.

RH Carpenter said...

Carol, thanks so much; I'm really pleased with both of these, especially the pears :)