This canvas was covered with excess light blue paint from another piece for months. Sometime late last year, I started a plain seascape which looked terribly boring so I put it aside. In March this year, I used my palette knife to add more waves to the water and it started to look interesting but not quite done. Then, just a few days ago, I added a couple of rocks and more movement in the water with different shades of greens and blues. There is hardly a dividing line between sky and sea. Here it is:

I started the Swamp last year but put it aside for a long time. I worked on it again on and off this year and just did the finishing touches yesterday. I think it is done.

The Swamp, Oil on Canvas, 30" x 40"

I had been thinking of doing a portrait of an old couple for quite a long time. I saw a couple in their late 70’s (I think) on the bus but was too embarrassed to take a photo. So, I searched the web and found an image I based Afternoon Stroll on. I started this in March and just finished it yesterday.

Afternoon Stroll, Oil on Canvas, 20" x 16"

We had a wonderful visit from my family the week of April 15 – a lot of eating, drinking, and endless chatting. I thought my husband would get overwhelmed but he was a real trooper – bless his heart!

My painting was put on hold but I made a lot of progress with the three pieces I was working on the week before. It takes me a while to decide when to stop working on a painting. A former art teacher said, “One of the most difficult things for an artist is to know when to stop working on a painting.” One piece is near completion – it is a landscape on a 30″ x 40″ gallery canvas. I am quite pleased with the colors I’ve used and I’ve already signed it (?) but it needs a few more finishing touches. I will post a photo when it is ready.