Seeking a Perfect Day

I went forth on this particular day looking for the peace and serenity that often come to me when I'm involved in painting outdoors. The previous day my plans were thwarted by a dark sky and an enormous clap of thunder that scared the daylights out of me and made me run from under a cluster of trees that harbored me at first, and then threatened to obliterate  me forever (or so I thought).  So now, on this new day, knowing I only had a couple of possible days to paint outside before I would be tied up for a stretch, I drove around to some locations I'd eyed before, seeking both a parking spot and a vantage point in the shade near an inviting view. Great shady spot! No one around to distract me! I sat and worked for about 4 hours straight without realizing the passage of time. When the Muse is with me, I can disappear completely for that creative period of time, as I did on that afternood. I was nowhere to be found, seated in my shady spot near Cranbrook Gardens, very close to the entrance, but not venturing inside. I hope in a couple of weeks, if not before then, to return to Cranbrook, an area which I've almost committed to memory, having painted it so many times. I think I'd like to return to the fountain behind Cranbrook House where figurative statues support the rim, while raising turtles upward toward the sky. Although I've painted the spot before, after I have a seance with John Singer Sargent, fixated on all the magical moves he employed while painting watercolors, Id like to give it a "go". It's been a few years since I approached it, and I've learned a few thing since then! (SEE BELOW) Such a beautiful spot!