Painting Choices

 

Pop Up, 16x20”, oil.

I have a lot of references including a zillion photos of possible painting subjects. A few weeks ago I was in a quandary of what to paint after being away from my Colorado studio. It was too cold and windy to paint outdoors, so I spent some time thinking while I was going through studies as well as reference photos.

I came across photos as well as a painting I did of the poppies that were growing in my tiny garden last summer. This was the first year that they survived the chipmunk and ground squirrel invasion. I had tried everything in past years to deter them… and only our relocation program seemed to work.

I was so excited to see these survivors show up and when I looked at my references I began to smile. I decided to do another painting of them. 

This is one of those paintings that brought smiles to my face and heart as I painted it. It is always a joy when a painting almost paints itself. I believe that our souls can connect with each other when a painting demonstrates a feeling. The color choices, the quality of brushstrokes and the subject matter all come together to create emotions. 

If I can create a painting that does that then I am happy.