April 25, 2015

It was a cold and rainy morning (sounds like the beginning to some story, doesn't it?). But actually, it was just another spring morning here in Chicago. The rain may have kept quite a few of us away, or maybe the blocked streets and construction. At any rate, those of us who came had a great time and painted some lovely paintings, too.

We start with the latest in Mohammed's series of cats. This one is no cuddly kitten but we love the personality—not to mention the way he uses the sponge technique to such great effect. Doesn't it just make you smile?

And this row of cats and dogs can't help but make you smile, too. And who knew a garage could be so exciting? We love the wet-in-wet clapboards and the textured roof!

Ken's into architecture, too. Here is the doorway to the side of the Ten Cat. Even the bricks look like stained glass.

Hector hasn't added color yet, but his sketch is coming along beautifully. The perspective is right on and no matter where you look, there's something aligned and interesting.

Elaine has Dave standing outside a building, squinting into the spring sunlight. In fact, except for the rain, it's a day much like today.

...before beginning another sketch, but this one is inside. And as you might be able to guess from the windows, it's evening.

Susan joins the architecture crowd, painting a fishing village on stilts. She pulls back to show water, mountains and a hillside lush with foliage.

The rest of us can't be bothered with buildings. We're ready for spring and flowers. Abla sketched a vase of tulips and managed to put in a soft, background wash that just shouts watercolor and spring.

Sara has progressed from studies to actual paintings of spring trees. This flowering treetop against a spring sky is the very essence of the season.

Here's another tree beginning to bloom. This one is a maple and features clear golden green buds against the blue sky.

Steve is officially finished with his pitcher plant on canvas. For all the challenges presented by the canvas, this painting is beautiful.

And because he finished early, Steve did one of our favorite things—experiment! Here he is trying a triangular, wedge  brush. He got it from Connie years ago and hadn't used it much. Now he wonders why he waited so long. Look at the foliage below, especially the leaves bending and the veins in the hosta. And zoom in to see how the leaves twirl. We suspect we'll be seeing this brush in heavy rotation.

 

 

That's it for today (we told you it was a small crowd), but come back next week for more.