Trabue Cottage

Diane Mannion, TRABUE COTTAGE, 8x10" oil on linen, 90% plein air

A Painting Tantrum

Could not pull this painting together until I got angry at it!   Slapped thick paint almost helter-skelter.  It was like wrestling an alligator doing death rolls.  Some paintings happen easier than others... it's what makes this business so challenging and exciting and addictive.  It's a never ending learning experience.  It's why artists are never bored (although we may be boring). 

I loved it when Sharon suggested taking my glasses off... no need to squint, everything gets blurry.  Never tried it!  Forced me not to see the details, only composition, color, and light.  And laughed when Beth said I was having a painting tantrum!  Exactly the way I felt.  It was either live as a painting or die as a wipeout!  Took it home and decided to let it live after a few touches here and there.  And I like it!

So much can be gained by painting with other artists!  Had the pleasure of painting in the shade with the Punta Gorda Visual Arts Center Plein Air Group yesterday morning in the historic district.