Alan Summer 2026-5

 I never posted the finished sketch of looking north from the Truman parking garage. Well, here it is on hot press.  

I’m tired of trying to make a good painting out of this view. Here is my first sketch on hot press.  While the perspective is off, it was kind of the feeling I was going for.

After several attempts on different media that didn’t work for me I gessoed a big canvas and tried it on that.  I didn’t like that one either but I kept trying to make it better.  I scraped it, gouached it, used watercolor crayons, added clouds, used white watercolor ink, andded reliefs, and any number of other things.  I’m not done yet.  I have more ideas and I haven’t used pastels yet. You will know when I’m done when there’s a time on the clock.  

The bad news is that the next painting I’m doing is off to a bad start as well and I’m determined not to give up on that one either.  The good news is that I found a new interesting onion. 

Nevertheless She Persisted

 Right out of the gate, the sky was a problem and I don’t know why. I went on, thinking I could fix it at the end. Ha!  It’s not as blotchy in person.  This took a lot of time making me wish it were larger (8x10).  

August 8, 2026 — Elaine O.

Still working slowly and considering this a learning experience! I'll be using less granulating paint in the shadows next time. Right now, the two halves feel like two different paintings—but that will change! Meanwhile, I've got an idea to try, if I decide to explore this as a series, so even if it's a total failure, it's been worth the effort. I do like the lamp and bottle on the side table, though. 

10"x14"

Also, just as a side note, the real painting is darker and less contrast-y. I think the camera is trying to adjust to give me a full value range, even if I don't actually have one.

AJ - art therapy

Victory Plaza - Timișoara, Romania

Quickies

4 and 6 not done.  The others probably done.  All of them 5xy.

Can you find Godzilla?
 

August 1, 2026 — Elaine O.

The difference between real life and screen is really something, isn't it? I went back in and darkened and warmed the shadows on this one....and it's not noticeable on screen. And the mustache color...much less yellow/orange in real life. Anyway, I'm going to stop, but I did get some interesting color lessons.

10"x14"

Here's a different composition but the strange dark light during Saturday's storm made it hard to choose paint colors.

10"x14"

So instead, I finished off a sketchbook with a self-portrait. It's my way of seeing who I am at a point in time, I guess. 

approx. 4" x 4"

time to stop

playing around

started in class, finished at home