Alex , 30"x 30"
 

Here's another from this summer. I wanted to do something that had a bit of an Allan Banks feel to it in terms of color. It's certainly not an Allan Banks, but I was happy with the tenderness of it.

This is gorgeous - what a great feel to it. I like that the bike is laying down and not taking any attention from the boy - yet it is still there.

VERY Allan Banks, as is the one you posted of the two girls by the water.

Stunning! :thumbsup:

Hi Linda,

I love the subdued color and the broken color application, well done! Did you use different brushes (i.e., brights or flats) for this one?

Well Done Linda,
Your painting is so gentle and stunning. I love your colour range especially in your landscape.

Fabulous, Linda!

Wow thanks everyone, I can't tell you how it makes me that this painting is well received.

I used a #4 filbert for the whole thing. One thing I am doing is grouping colors on my palette by their value - this is helping me be more colorful in a subdued way - It is easier for me to use a range of colors in a particular value area, as long as the value is correct, the play of different colors within the passage provides interest. I used the same brush throughout, and since it's never super clean, as is my palette, I get some great muddy yet colorful tones.

Can you post a photo of how your palette looks mid-painting? I like your idea of grouping colors by value. I remember something like that from Chris's book but I've never tried it.

It's one big mush mess actually. I use clear contact paper over my wooden palette before I put the paints on. This lets me keep the paint on the palettte for literally a week or two without fear of killing the palette with dry paint. I just peel off the contact paper when it's too bad to use anymore.

Linda, I meant to reply earlier to this, but it's been a crazy week for me. (How 'bout those Red Sox?!! :cool: )

I just love how you handled this, the bike, the woods and grass, and of course the boy! Beautiful lush color and brushwork! You've really captured the feel of that field and those woods. Congratulations!

Linda,

Would it be possible to get a close up of this background section? I like your last group of painting very much. Your landscape skills are super.

I am not familiar with Alan Banks work, so I cannot judge it from that point of view, but from mine, it is a lovely subtle painting with a wonderful composition.

Allan Banks is on my website. Or you can go directly there: http://portraitartist.com/banks

Thanks Leslie. This has been so helpful to get everyines encouragement.

Mike - here's the closeup of the area you outlined. Please feel free to email me if you want to know any specific process questions.

Terrific.

What I really love about this is your skill at subordinating edges, and finding such a successful composition. The color harmony is powerful. It's lovely, Linda.

Thanks so much Chris.