Roses at Twilight

“Roses at Twilight” (Descanso Gardens) – 9 x 12 oil on canvasboard – SOLD

Last night we went back to Descanso Gardens to meet my artpal Wendee for a picnic and to do a little plein air painting at “golden hour.” I don’t know if it’s just me, but it seems they’re making golden hour shorter and shorter these days. I painted for about 45 minutes – I got the block in finished (this was after about 15 minutes) and then went on to start to refine the image, but the light had changed so drastically that finishing it on site was impossible. Wendee will vouch for this, that when I threw in the towel because of the light change, I was ambivalent as to whether or not I could make anything of it at home. But this experience tells me not to give up on a painting just because it’s at an awkward stage (kind of like raising teenagers, so I’ve heard.) So I put it aside and took a fresh look at it this morning in the studio, and I’m content with the results.

Just for fun, I put it in a plein air frame (a scan) to see how it would look. I think it really helps set it off.

This weekend I’ll be showing my Pasadena paintings with the California Art Club at the Pasadena City Hall from 3 – 6 pm. If you’re in LA, please stop by and say hello.

Comments

1. 

   Jo Castillo
   July 20, 2007

   Hi Karen,

   I love the comparison to teenagers. This is a very nice painting and looks super in the frame. Sorry I’m not in LA to see your show. Good luck.

   Jo

2. 

   Wendee
   July 20, 2007

   Oh yes, lovely. I had a feeling this would blossom, although you weren’t.
   Is this one for sale? trade? barter? 😉 Mmmmmm. I want to call dibs on it. Just lovely, Karen. You are working wonderful magic; although it’s much more deliberate than magic. Certainly is magical. Mmmmmmm.

3. 

   Ronell
   July 20, 2007

   Every reason for you to be content Karin…the painting is beautiful. I love the soft flow of colors…Glad you stuck with it!
   Ronell

4. 

   Sherie
   July 21, 2007

   Gorgeous scene and colors, too. Amazing what you accomplish in such limited time.

5. 

   Linda McCoy
   July 21, 2007

   Hi Karen,
   I love “Roses at Twilight” The shadows are so well crafted I feel like I am there! Also, loved your story about the ducks.
   Linda

6. 

   wendy
   July 21, 2007

   Sunrise…sunset. You are into those times of day and using lovely colour combinations.
   My fingers can hardly type this as it is soo cold. The weather is atrocious here in southern Australia, now breaking records for cold etc.
   w.

7. 

   ming
   July 23, 2007

   you get a whole hour! i always tell my girlfriend how beautiful the golden moment is… that’s all we get over here, just a moment. then darkness.