801 View From Cottage Row

I am taking a class from a favorite artist, Milwaukee's own Shelby Keefe, who is a very thoughtful and delightful instructor.  Her technique is so different from what I know that I had a very slow start after her demo (which I loved).  The original photo reference had a beautiful sailboat, which wasn't so beautiful after I painted it, so I eliminated it.  I'm sure I will want to make some adjustments after fresh eyes have examined it.

We'll see what tomorrow brings.
"801 View From Cottage Row"
acrylic - 11x14 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/801-view-from-cottage-row/482274

dianecampion.blogspot.com

530 Leaving Town

 

I took this photo while entering the freeway spur and I guess the camera was off kilter.  I've been looking at it for many months, liking the odd angle and wanting to paint it.  Daily Paintworks' Challenge is 'Gritty City" this week, so I thought I might try it.  It's out of my system now and I can return to more enjoyable paintings.  (Phew, glad that's over.)  The funny thing is that even though I pass this scene often, I don't even know what it is.  

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/530-leaving-town/312056

149 Camel Rock

Some people collect figurines of owls or elephants or turtles.  I collect camels, so I was thrilled to discover Camel Rock near Santa Fe, New Mexico, and I really enjoyed painting it/him.

147 Big Top Under Blue

For many years, families camped out days in advance in downtown Milwaukee to reserve seats for the Great Circus Parade.  Antique circus wagons, animals, a ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and clowns--Ernest Borgnine being the most notable, all traveled from Circus World in Baraboo, Wisconsin to entertain children and adults at our lakefront's Veteran's Park for days leading up to the parade.    On a beautiful July day, I visited the park, and felt 12 years old again.

Unfortunately, funding for the Great Circus Parade has dwindled, so what was an every-year occurrence, is much less frequent.

146 Big Brother is Watching You

I didn't realize it until I was painting this scene that there is a camera posted on the traffic lights.  Coincidentally, in today's paper, there is news that there will be 50 new speed cameras installed by year end in Chicago near schools and parks.  Watch your speed!

120 North Point Lighthouse

Every glance at the lighthouse paints a different picture, depending on the color of the sky, the passing clouds and, of course, the light.