This was painted as a "special" request. Special because Stacey and Ashley are big supporters of my paintings and Ashley, is a promising artist at age 10. I asked them to give me an idea of what they would like in a painting. Stacey emailed me two photographs, both of beautiful sunsets and told me her preference. I was so inspired by that photo that I got to work right away.
My enthusiasm was faced immediately with "how do I paint life-like clouds"? It was indeed a challenge for me. I "erased with paint" on the sky about three times. I asked my husband for his critique. He said the clouds were too heavy and not enough contrast in the sky. After more experimentation, the paint got too thick that I had to start with a new canvas. Cognizant of the need to be light, I started to use less paint and blended more. The result, fluffier puffs of blue and shades of purple, blue, and white for the sky.
Lessons Learned and Hindsight - Since I painted this painting, I learned to look upward. I don't think I would look at the clouds and sunsets ever the same again. There will be much analyzing of the clouds and light and admiration of the beauty. I am proud of myself for struggling through this painting. The kicker is that no matter how purposefully one tries, mother nature's random and unintended brushstrokes will always produce a far more superior and original work of art.
