6" x 8"
Dahlias #13

Remind me never again to paint flowers in the backyard in blazing sun and record breaking temperatures. (but, give me a big Western landscape any day)  It was suggested at my critique this week, that I paint still lives in the natural light - it will help me with my warm light/cool shadow issue.  So, I went to Anne Ward's website and set up a still life like she does and went to town.  Well, I didn't really go to town.  I stayed close to home today because it was so hot and because I was tight on time.  This painting is all about the shadows.  Cordelia was home, so she was able to critique it when I thought I was done.  Given that she is fairly direct (understatement), it was pretty helpful.  I had to create more light! My re-occurring painting problem - for now, at least.

Here's my set-up.  What I really need to do is learn how to paint swimming pools like David Hockney.

I also, worked on the bridge painting that I did yesterday.  I added warmer lights and darkened those far away trees.
In this photo, the sky looks darker, but it's not - just a bad photo.  I think it's much better.  I look forward to going back to that location.  I park in the Mill Valley Holiday Inn parking lot and paint under a tree - its a perfect spot before the fog rolls in.

After

before

The bike path beside the parking lot - under an Olive tree, no less!