Inside the Gate....

Inside the Gate 22 X 18 Oil on Canvas

Wow, time fly's when you're busy. I promised a new painting and I have more. So first things, first. This is a view from an open gate on the island of Cyprus. Hence the name "Inside the Gate". I know you will enjoy the view as much as I did.

Next I started a critiquing group that has met twice thus far. It is really great, they are some extremely talented artists who have a discerning eye when it comes to what little tweaking needs to be done to bring a somewhat complete a painting to am outstanding painting. Example the one above was two inches longer, therefore there was too much shadow to allow your eyes to travel into the painting gracefully. Not to say the shadow was not done well it just was a bit too much. With the suggestion from one artist then verified with several others, I took the plung and cut two inches off before stretching the Canvas. What a dramatic difference those two inches made. I can't thank those artists enough for making a painting for average to great. Anyway, the group is wonderfully filled with lots of caring critiquing, loads of shared information, and new ideas. I had one artist say this is what she had been looking for, a group that is not afraid to share, being honest, and truly wanting the other artist to succeed. Yes my artist friends and collectors there are really great people out there and I have been graced by them and they are fabulous artist to boot. We all have our strengths and we know our weaknesses, and we are not afraid to put our hearts out on the line because we know that it will not be injured, it will be held lovingly and nurtured to create what our souls intended. In the weeks and months ahead I will introduce you to them thru their eyes (or should I say brushes), so stay tuned.