Another stage of the Rose painting. Background finished and roses started. Things are getting a little cooler than I wanted so the finished piece will show that I warmed everything up again

Here's the next stage of the roses. Starting to build the darks and also some of the highlights. Keeping everything very loose and suggested at this point.

Here's stage one of the Rose painting. Quinacridone gold underpainting sets a lovely warm beginning. I'm going to try to keep it very warm to the end. Don't know what color the flowers will be but probably not red.

This sketch is the start of my next large painting. I'm using two photos as reference for the painting - one for the roses and another one for everything else. The light is different in each photo so I have to figure out how to handle that.

I don't do a sketch for every painting but if I'm making anything up or changing things in my reference, it's a great way to plan the composition.

It's 6:04- I'm happy to announce that Linda Ramsden, with a winning bid of $515.00, is the new owner of "Above and Below". Thanks to all who bid for your support for a very good cause. It's wonderful for me to be able to make this substantial donation!

Current price on the auctioned painting is $450.00- 10 minutes to go!

Yesterday I spent the day at the Cherry Blossom Festival at Van Duesen Gardens in Vancouver. A group of 12 students came to try their hand at plien air painting. Most were brand new at it. All were courageous and did a respectable job on their paintings.
We were blessed with no rain, although the sun came and went the whole time. We attracted a lot of attention from the crowds of people there, much to the consternation of some.
Thanks to all for being such troopers- it was fun!