Creating a masterpiece!

I always start with a good drawing.  By hand! This is my first connection with the painting.   We had a 12x22 frame,  tall but narrow so selecting a painting that fits comfortably in that size takes some thinking.  This was perfect.
This gate is from Portugal, I took hundreds of photos and use them in my studio.  But I remember standing in front of this 16 century gate from an old convent turned boutique where we were privileged to spend the night. Convento do Seixo in Fundao Portugal.  


I do not have a set way to start a painting, each one is different.  With this,  I started with the pattern of cobblestones which are everywhere in Portugal. Notice the dip, like the cobblestones settled over time. Then painting up the walls.


Building slowly with washes to build the texture.  I want my viewer to feel the stones.



Ivy... just softens it a bit, against all the stone.



Add that beautiful soft blue on the gates.


I keep working, going deeper and darker.  Creating the feeling of an overcast foggy morning.
 And finally it is finished!  

I am painting, Linda is filling a few orders for pick up and started sending email reminders for Open House.  10 days...