At the Heart of the Matter

"At the Heart of the Matter"
6" x 6"
Oil on hardboard
There are nights when everything simply tumbles into place and brushstrokes land where they should. It could have been the passionate music playing over my shoulder, stimulating the emotions. Or perhaps it was the aroma of almond cake baking in the oven. Whatever it was that happened, this pink peony landed on my board with no more effort than it takes to slip into my Birkenstocks.  

I'm toning my canvas consistently every time I paint now.  I never knew the value of it until recently.  Having come from a watercolor background where white is so highly prized, it seemed a shame to obliterate a perfectly good white canvas. My discovery is that it's a lot harder to paint a low key painting on white.  Burnt umber seems to LIKE to be covered in deep, luscious color.  I thank my Muse for tending to me with such loving care.

I appreciate your visits.  Please come often. 
Carol