Paintings from Mirbeau

Morning at Mirbeau , pastel on paper 12x9"

   Early in July I went painting with my friend Christy to Mirbeau, a spa in Skaneateles. I had asked for permission to paint beforehand and was not disappointed. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with profusion of color everywhere. There is a also a replica of Monet's green bridge and a pond.

  It was a very hot day so we had to paint from a shaded area. In my first painting what called my attention was the light on the hanging basket and the angle created by the roof on the wall.

By the time I was done with the first painting it was already midday. The light at this hour is so diffused, and has always fascinated me. The bushes in the middle ground where my main interest: teh leaves in sunshine were almost white.  I did some tweaking at home, mostly removing things that were not necessary, and while I did not like it at first, I do so now as it transports me to that very day.

Midday at Mirbeau, pastel on board, 10x8"

Mandana Farmland, 13x13"

Mandana Farmland, pastel on paper by Adriana Meiss

On my way home after the Finger Lakes Lavender Fest, I slowed my car down and took photos of this field. I have actually seen it many times before and have taken shots of it, but somehow after this time I really felt the need to paint it right away.  I decided to be more creative with colors though and I'm happy with the results. I hope you like it too!

Lavender , 9 X 7

It's a sure thing now, I'll be having a solo show at a popular restaurant next March. Years ago I would had been in a rush to start painting but I'm actually fixing some paintings that I did on location this summer. Somehow it doesn't feel right to start new work when there are paintings begging to be finished. This also gives me time to think what I would like to paint from the tons of reference photos I have, and hopefully a theme will emerge.

This painting is from Lockwood Farm in Skaneateles. By chance, this past spring I learned that there was a lavender farm in the area and without waiting too long I contacted the owner, Karen, who very gracefully invited me to paint at the farm. She also has sheep, and a very friendly barn cat who almost knocked my pastel box when he jump on it! Check out her blog and enjoy the beautiful photographs.