Coming Around Full Circle...

Today I sought out this particular location at Cranbrook, this fountain where the animated statues appear to frolic. Above my painting I have posted an image my children love, taken at the same location about 30 years ago. It is my Dad, clowning around, adopting a pose similar to the statues, and all three of my kids joyously amused and playing along with their statuasque poses too.

Today, seeking quiet and refuge, I returned to that spot full of memories. I situated myself in a great shady spot. With a slight breeze, I would occasionally experience the spray of the fountain, carried by a soft breeze in my direction. I worked there for about 4 hours, trying to keep the painting spritely and while maintaining an incomplete feeling. Since I had brought limited equipment, including a very small travel paintbox, Sennelier paints, which my daughter had gifted to me a few years back, I was working with a new assortment of colors, which I pre-moistened yesterday evening to get them soft and responsive. To those 8 colors I added a tube of Naples Yellow. Had a wonderful refreshing time. It felt almost like I'd been running under the sprinkler. definitely cleared out the cobwebs, and in 89 degree weather, I never felt too warm in my little shady corner of the world. Great day!

Looking at the weather forecast, I probably won't get out to paint until later this coming week. I will be awaiting one of those inspiring days. trying to fit in as many of those as possible before Fall is truly upon us.