Yesterday several friends visited the studio and had praise for the work. It wasn't a critique of any sorts, but did encourage me to work more today.

I worked my way down into the marsh grass today. After a while I found my rhythm and the colors and grasses started finding their own rhythm and movement. Once the foreground is in, I probably will need to tone down the intensity of the trees. Did a little of that today, but probably not enough.

The 20 minute work rule applied today.

The devil is in the details. Worked a bit on the water and marsh grass. It needs to be painted far to near because of the overlapping of the grasses. I got bored and went on to the white bare trees in the distance. Got bored with that, too. I need a better brush. Ha! The carpenter who blames his tools..... But I do wish this was on board. The grasses and bare trees would go on so much better and easier.

Intensity.

Finally back in the studio. I lost my connection with this painting and took 2 days of minimal work to regain the feel for it. I bought a new color, Naples Yellow Deep, which I love. Love of a color is a risky business, though. It can seduce you into behavior that is totally unbecoming. This work in on a canvas that I had on hand. I'm missing that luxurious feel of oil on board.

Still life drawing for consideration of a Study in Blue with bittersweet.