fixing and adjusting

It's been a few days of fixing and readjusting. One painting came back from a gallery with minor damage to a corner, so I restored this to it's former glory.

Lily and fruit on red cloth (after repair) Size: 18X36

I also took the opportunity to adjust the another painting that had been hanging for a number of months in the gallery.

BEFORE - tall Iris in green jug Size: 42.5X24

As an artist I try not to revisit works, especially if they're varnished and out the door; but this one (to me) just felt a little too colorful. I realized I wanted to tone it back a little, so I took the time to remove varnish and adjust to something that made me happier...

AFTER - tall Iris in green jug Size: 42.5X24

DETAIL - Showing irregular texture in the paintings ground, (heavy impasto brush strokes and sand)

...However, since I was adjusting that piece, I thought I may as well alter another.

BEFORE - Peonies in purple vase with Lemons Size: 24X36

I really liked this painting but had felt perhaps I had painted a background that was a little too strong. If I chose a more subtle backdrop color it would really make the Peonies flowers flourish. So again I stripped away the varnish and then made this singular background change.

AFTER - Peonies in purple vase with Lemons Size: 24X36

...So I'm done adjusting, and have some other new works nearing completion.

The sad loss of a dear friend.

With a heavy heart I have to report on the sad loss of a dear friend. Yes my long term partner in the creation of my painting is nearing it's death....


...That's right, my faithful watercolor pencil is nearing it's end (yes, that's a pun). You see my watercolor pencil out lasts most things, a loose sketch at the beginning of each painting, steers me right before any fumbles or incorrect placement are made. Allowing me to paint with greater confidence and vigor.

A watercolor pencil, so as I begin to work it's marks wash away or disappear beneath layers of paint. The lightest of touches and the smallest of marks has meant this dear friend has seen more paintings than many other materials; the used brushes blunted to stubs, the tubes of paint (too many to count) all have gone, but my ever faithful pencil endured and kept working until the very end...

Rest in peace little pencil.

Probably the final painting for this poor pencil.

...Still on a brighter note I have a brand new pencil ready to go, so who cares! ;-)