Black or White

I painted the same view two times this morning. One was on a black gesso board which was a new technique. I thought leaving the black edges was a bit gimmicky but had no choice it seemed. I redid pretty much the same view on a bit bigger, but white board after that. I am posting them both. Which one do you think was more successful?

Step by step painting

Today I worked on a 30x40 inch desert painting based on one of the 8x10 studies I on site. I took pictures of the steps so you can see how it all happened. I also like to check what I am doing and looking in the camera gives me a different perspective. Another way I get a fresh look is by using a mirror to see what I am doing. With your face buried in the process you sometimes lose your objectivity. It was a wonderful day on the patio..great weather and some cool tunes.

Another Monday Morning

These Monday morning paint outs are a spectacular way to start the week. This morning was a bit different. The wind was starting to gust and the day started cloudy. The mountains had a different look with the cloud shadows. I keep trying to tell myself not to "chase the light" as it made the mountains go dark and then light and then back again. I loved the way the brittle bush has some dead straw like parts left from the winter so I chose a scene with them in it. I also like the contrast of the palo verde green against the bluer hue of the mountains. In this painting I really tried to stay fresh and not "picky" with the paint. I brightened up some of my color as well.
The second painting was a quick sketch of another tough old desert tree. It has lots of roots showing along the edge of a wash. By then the wind was starting to get stronger so I packed up for the day.