Yesterday was an absolutely perfect day to paint. The light could not have been clearer. It was an orange-yellow, which made the most perfect blue-violet shadows (shadow colors are generally complementary to the color of light). This is the type of light/shadow that clearly inspired the French impressionists. In fact, while painting, I was reminded of the summer I spent painting in Provence–the light was THAT clear.
I set up in the Temple of Music courtyard, which was constructed with the first M.H. de Young Museum as the Grand Court for the 1894 California Mid-winter International Exposition. The bandstand has a band that plays April – October (126th season!).
This was my first effort. The tops of the trees had a wonderful warm glow, and the fountain was fun to paint, too. I tried to keep the bandstand itself subtle, falling back in space so the fountain and tree tops could lead the eye.
Golden Gate Park Music Concourse, Oil on Linen, 8×10″
Ed, I love your work. I’m so glad to have discovered your blog. It is very inspiring to me as I attempt to paint something everyday. Thanks.
ed your latest work is very solid strong and confident
i also like the extra darkness,
keep those strokes blod!
Strong brush strokes, looks good, and the weather sounds good to. right now its 2 degrees here 🙁
Thanks, Jacki,I’m honored!
Thanks Rob & Dan. I have been focusing on brushwork and edges, so nice to hear your comment. I do think I need to work more on conveying distance (“ariel perspective”).
I especially like the second one, of the trees. It has a strong rhythm to it.