Cranbrook Gardens Called to Me

On the 4th of July, blessed with beautiful weather, I headed out for Cranbrook House and Gardens, with all my watercolor equipment in tow. The statue I painted stands in front of a portion of Cranbrook House, sheilded fom sun and rain in this portico, with arches all around it, leading out to the well attended grounds.
I was interested in being able to capture the contrasting elements, the dark structure in which the sculpture stands on her pedestal, versus the bright sunlight and foliage seen through the arch I was facing. While planning the composition, in the drawing stages, and while painting, I was trying to channel John Singer Sargent, painting one of his amazing watercolors. The archway always reminds me of his splendid work.

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