Purple House

Diane Mannion, PURPLE HOUSE, 8x10" oil on linen

#11 of the 30/30 Challenge

Catching Light

First meeting of the season for the Punta Gorda Visual Arts Center Plein Air Painters. Having a friendly group of artists to paint with is a joy!  There were about eight of us this morning, good number for early season.

Kathy, Andrea, and that's me on the right wearing my lucky painting hat.

And my view of the Purple House, a famous Punta Gorda landmark, now home to the Charlotte Sun Herald newspaper.

Had to paint fast... the sun was gorgeous when it hit the side of the building and roof, a great contrast to the dark trees behind it.  After two hours, forced myself to stop and leave it alone.  Could have gone on forever with details but my main intent was to simply capture the light.  Put in shadows first and left the brushstrokes alone (well almost, blended greens to simplify).

This Thursday, Sept 19th... I'll be painting with the Light Chasers at Caspersen Beach, Venice.  And next Monday, Sept 23... VAC Plein Air will meet at the Bay Preserve in Osprey.  All are welcome to join us.  

It's great to live in a place where the season is just starting and we're thinking of turning off air conditioning and opening the windows for winter.