Dianne McNaughton posed the question in her last blog - how do different people motivate themselves to paint! Well, all I know is when it gets this hot, I cannot do anything. And today is no exception. I know my blogging/cricketing friend in India, Sanjeev Joshi, would laugh, but honestly when the temperature hits 30 deg C (86 def F) I become useless. I go into my art room and just sit there looking at the canvas, listlessly put a few strokes down, and then have to find some cool spot. And the coolest spot in the house is where the computer is! I will make the effort later when it cools down but in the meantime I thought I would post this painting.
It is of the Dell at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. It's such a lovely cool area in the gardens, starting from the pool shaped like a bird and appropriately called after the Colonel who designed and built it, Cnl Bird! flows over a small waterfall and onto the Dell where it forms a small pool before going under a stone footbridge.
We were 'plein air' painting that day, and I gave up and took a photo to do this picture, but the peace and tranquility of the area stayed with me. I hope I conveyed it.
12 comments:
AND you've conveyed that peace and tranquility into your painting.
Probably you could just sit and stare at it for a while and instantly you'd feel a few degrees cooler.
Wishing you lots of comfortable painting weather for 2009!
I really like this piece, Liz! The blue in the reflection brings the whole thing to life.
Truly peaceful, how I would like to be there right now, its -4 degrees lovely painting
Beautiful painting Liz - the reflections are magnificent! Happy New Year to you to - may it be a magically creative one! You have definitely started out well!
Thank you Marian - it's really a lovely place in the Gardens and there weren't that many people there that day which made it even calmer and cooler.
I loved doing this painting Suzanne. I am starting to feel much freer with my work and maybe a bit more adventurous?
Ooooh Carolann I'm going to be freezing in February when I go to Sweden to see my son and family so maybe I should stop complaining about the heat and relish it while I have it!
Hi Carol. I think we have travelled a road together and with your introducing me to blogging I have learned so much from the wonderful artists around the world and gained so much confidence. I thank you for that and for always being there.
hi liz ,ha ha ha ha !
You know its 8 degree centigrade here and very pleasant.but to paint in early morning i find it difficult to hold brush! So I also keep staring!!Till i get warmed up.
Yhe painting is very beautiful.the best part is blue reflection and top lit boulders.keep it up.Chao
Dear Liz,
Thanks for the link! I have been away from blogging for a few days with family pressures - have visitors for next 3 weeks!
You have captured the reflections beautifully and I agree, the little bits of blue just sing!
Well done!
Love Dianne x x
Very tranquil cool looking. The blue touches really work. How I wish we had some of that warm weather you mentioned. We are freezing at the moment in USA. I have fond memories of summer Christmases in SA.
Hello Liz! Thank you for commenting on my Lithop painting. You are right in that I did take artistic liberties and made more jade like then rock like in appearance. The plant I was painting had speckles but I just wanted to focus on the wonderful shapes. Hugs to you!
This is beautiful, Liz. The top-lit boulders, their reflections, and the bits of reflected blue, together make this a moment of shimmering tranquillity.
Hello Jean - thanks for visiting and yes, Christmas in SA is different, but rather nice!
Sheila thank you for visiting as well. Love reading your blog and comments - they convey such a sparkling character!
Ah Mineke thank you so much. When artists such as yourself comment so positively on my work I feel almost glowy - it means so much to me and is so encouraging.
I know this spot well - and how well you've painted the calm shady stillness of it - beautiful reflections of rocks and light.
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