Whelk

I've worked 3 different sessions on this shell. I actually started it back in November and set it aside while I worked on the Daturas. But I need some work to put in the Klein Gallery for February. I also intend to paint 3 shells together in a long horizontal format. Thinking I may approach them in a biological way, ie, examining the forms more than thinking of them as a still life. This shell I picked up in Provincetown (in a store, not on the beach). I've rarely found a whelk on our beaches, although I know it's native.

Daturas

I feel the viewer may be tired of the very subtle changes that are posted each day. I seem to be working and reworking areas and the progress is slow. The whites are so transparent that I have to wait a day for them to dry before applying other values. But I can see now the very ending applications that will be needed. Today when reading the novel Loving Frank, I came across this passage, "He had come to mistake his gift for the whole of his character." Two things came to mind. One, gift? I always think of artistic accomplishments as the result of hard, hard work. But, I can see the argument that there must be an innate beginning. Second, I keep my practice private, never going on and on about the process or time at the easel. None of my friends or acquaintances would guess at my routine.

Daturas

I began working on the datura blossoms today.

Daturas

Back in my beautiful new studio today. White walls, new white ceiling with recessed lights and rearranged furniture are so nice. There is work to be redone on the painting now that I can SEE again.

Daturas

Almost finished with this stage on the leaves. I'm anxious to work on the flowers and then start to analyze the unity.

Daturas

I apologize for the terrible picture. I cropped a piece out for some detailed clarity. I painted until it was too dark to photograph and took this the next day in direct sunlight. Bad idea. But I wanted a record before starting again.

Daturas

The results here are a few days of work, but not more than a total of 7 hours. Look to the left to see some progress among the leaves.