Doors and more doors

The spring semester finally started back up at CC so my art school is back in session.  My first class of this semester is just an Oils class.  Basically we work on whatever painting we like and the instructor is there to help when we get stuck or frustrated.


I decided to call one of the students who studied with me with my previous instructor to see if she was still looking for a teacher and if she'd like to join me.  I was thrilled when Charlotte said yes (that's her above).  We hadn't seen each other in nearly a year so it was nice to reconnect.


So I decided to go back to what I like doing and what I do well--doors and buildings.  The photo above is one that I took in Rothenburg, Germany when we were there last year.  I love old buildings and colorful doors.  It all starts with a sketch.


Then the canvas is covered with a coat of paint for a base which needs to dry for several days before the next layer is applied.  This is as much as I got done during my first class.


Today I went into my studio to get the rest of the base applied.  I thought it would take about an hour, but four hours later I realized it was the horse's dinner time.  So much for those errands I planned to run this afternoon.  This painting doesn't look like much yet, but I look forward to working on it over the next several weeks.

In the process of cleaning up the house prior to the start of the kitchen remodel Irv discovered how many paintings I have around this house.  A lot of them are stored in closets or leaning against the wall of my studio.  He said I really need to find something to do with them if I'm going to continue painting.  I have to agree with him.  Some of my paintings have an emotional attachment while others do not.

Below are my "door" paintings.

This one I painted for my dad about four years ago.  I love the Southwestern feel--it's called Puerta Roja (red door).  My dad was so kind and had it hanging in his living room until he moved to assisted living.  It made the trip with him there too and in August I got it back.  It's one of my favorite paintings, but I'd be glad to let it go to someone who would appreciate it.

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This is another of my favorites.  It's from a photo that Dana took in Europe a few years ago.  It was a bugger to paint, but it came out quite well.  Dana and Adam have it hanging up in there house and it looks fantastic!


This is another one that was fun to do.  It is Christmas time in Santa Fe with the luminarios.  It was the first painting that I did all on my own without any assistance from my instructor.  I think I know someone who would like to have this painting--I'm always afraid to offer it to anyone because I don't want to force my art on anyone. 

My brother is pretty much the only person who comments on my blogs, but if you see any of my art that you'd like to hang in your house just leave me a comment and let me know.

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