It was a lovely afternoon, so I hauled my gear out to the side of my house to continue work on my side gate. It’s getting close to completion, but I’d still like to spruce up the foreground bush and maybe tweak the background a bit. I’m glad I put in the flowers last week, because they’re fading now.
Geoff Watson, “The side gate,” oil on linen panel, 12” x 16,” 2020.
It was sunny and downright hot today, with temperatures in the 70s, so I was back outside, painting my gate. This time I focused on the right side of the picture, including the ivy and the tall rose bush, and I made some first efforts at a background.
I'm not happy with the background yet. I tried adding more trees, but they interfered with the U-shaped junction between the gate and the ivy, which I really like. I also need to work on the foreground, especially the foreground bush. Still, I like the direction this is going.
Geoff Watson, “The side gate (in progress, day3),” oil on linen panel, 12” x 16.”
Two beautiful days in a row! So I was in my side-yard again this afternoon, soaking up the sun and having a wonderful time painting this gate. I’m excited about it! Today I focused on the steps, railings and walkway. I didn’t touch the background or the right half of the picture. I’ll get to those later this week. Unfortunately, it looks like clouds and rain for the next couple days, but no worries; the gate isn’t going anywhere.
Geoff Watson, “The side gate (in progress, day 2),” oil on linen panel, 12” x 16.”
I had a fun afternoon painting under beautiful sunny skies. I chose to paint the gate by the side of my house. I think it’s a good start. The gate itself is quaint, and the flowers on the right add color and interest. I plan to spend at least another day on it, and probably more. I need to add railings to the stairs and lots of other detail. We’ll see how it goes.
Geoff Watson, “The side gate (in progress),” oil on linen panel, 12” x 16.”