Eggs, Linen & Glass: Step 3

Even though I've done a painting similar to this one, it was so long ago that I don't remember exactly how I approached all those facets of glass. This one is a little larger, and good thing!My eyes are that much worse these days (go figure). As I go along, I'm finding that the best approach is not to focus on one area for too long, and keep reminding myself that it always takes shape in time.

Eggs, Linen & Glass: The Wash

Well, most of it is 'washed', however I couldn't really 'wash' the cut glass. All those facets--well, each one is its own peculiar shade of gray and umber. At least you can gather the color scheme.

This will be more of a study in texture rather than color, and an exploration of backlight and reflection. It will be tricky going--I may even need to don the magnifying goggles, but I shall prevail!

Finally, A New Project

...yes, it's true, I'm undertaking another watercolor, but this is no ordinary painting; it may quite likely be the painting that drives me to the brink of insanity! (Yes I know that's not a far drive from where I'm at.)

I know it's probably hard to tell what it will look like from all those teensey-weensey lines, but if you've been to my Website, it may look familiar. It is, in fact, a variation on a theme I worked up several years ago, and I can tell you that it tested my wits even then (back when I had a few more wits about me). I posted something about that a long while ago, and even now I can't believe I'm considering this project (okay, I'm more than considering it, 'cause I've done the drawing and posted it).

I can't gaurantee that this will be a happy ride for observers, but I'm going to try hard not to whine about it. I can't promise I will finish it in a timely manner, but I may post more stages, just to provide evidence that I'm still working on it...

The finished painting will be 8 x 10 inches, and in case you're wondering, it is titled Eggs, Linen & Glass.

Troubled Mints

I know I'm not the only one who has a hard time in winter. Every day feels like a struggle. But sometimes, just one silly little thing can put a smile on my face.

I've been enjoying Altoids Curiously Strong Peppermints since back in the early '80's when it seemed the only place you could get them was through the Vermont Country Store catalog (I think they were curiously stronger back then, but that could be my imagination).

Yesterday, when I opened a new tin, this is what I found...

Just knowing there is a home for Troubled Mints* puts my mind at ease...perhaps then, there is also a place for me...

* I think Altoids may acutally be having a little fun with the 'troubled' Royal Mint... 

New Header Design for My Writing Blog

Okay, so I thought it would take me a few days, but I went ahead and got busy on it…
This is what I’ve come up with as the new header for my writing blog.

Now to apply it and change the background and fonts and colors too (to the blog itself—not the header)—could take another day…maybe not that long….

...and of course, I couldn't resist putting my Story for a Shipwright for the book title...

Reading & Writing: Finished—Finally!

I almost thought I was going to have to put this on the Projects Waiting page. I guess I just wasn’t in the mood to paint while I was away (I did however get a lot of writing done). When I finally put brush to paper, it didn’t take that long to finish. I know it’s not as dark as the photograph I posted, but it is close to the tone of the one I printed. I kinda wish I had stuck to the darker, but if I don’t compare the two, I like this one just fine. (Comparisons really are evil).

…Now, to design a header from it…