Holiday Slowdown

The painting is coming along but still has a way to go. I'm feeling good about the sky and think it's done. Still more to do on the weeds in the left foreground, the road and everything on the right - it's pretty much just blocked in. I put some paint on the fence posts and rails but they are definitely way too light/bright - they need to blend in so I've got to knock them back. Haven't done the house yet, that pink/red is the ground color I painted on before I started anything. It's actually a red but looks very pink in this photo, especially with all the other colors around it. I've found that I like starting out with a color on the canvas, it shows through and subtly warms up the entire painting without being obvious and obtrusive. So, there's a lot more to do, but due to the holidays, work, present buying and wrapping - painting time has been limited. Yes, I know, when doesn't life make it's best effort to get in the way of painting time? :o)

By the way, that canvas is 48" x 30" and fits perfectly on the tray of the new easel. I can't say enough about how great this easel is. The tray area moves up and down, but also moves left and right - which really comes in handy - just slide it over from side to side instead of moving the entire easel or moving my chair. The tray itself is wide and hinged in the middle, when you want to paint the bottom of the canvas you can take the pegs out and fold it back out of the way - I didn't think that was a very big deal, but it's so nice. The man who designed this easel thought of everything!

Ok, that's what I've been up to. Soon Santa will be here and I wish you very Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!