#flowerphotochallenge: day 5 of 7, a cyclamen work in progress. Oil paint on 8×8 canvas. This is more materials experimentation – no solvents. Here I’m using my traditional oil paints (Gamblin, Winsor Newton and Williamsburg) with a mix of linseed oil (for a bit more flow) and solvent-free daneridge cold wax (to cut the oil shine); I like the consistency although it will dry more slowly. And I missed Williamsburg Persian Rose while using the miscible paints. This is naturally lit – so hopefully the sun will cooperate later in the week so that I can complete this.
Coming in May . . .

I’m thrilled to let you know that my plein air paintings will be shown in Boston at the St. Botolph Club on Commonwealth Ave.
Details to come.
Sketches for work parade float (tweaked)
Just bubbles and lime for my soda
Just bubbles and lime but so much grease in all the fried food. Small mid-west town food . . . next!
Still life over breakfast
A vignette for the sketchbook before heading back to Boston. Gouache handled much like watercolor.
Semi-daily sketch

In honor of yesterday’s little 1 hour loop walk that turned into a 5 hour challenging hike and search – much thanks to the folks who got Phil back to the trailhead and yay for my sturdy boots – Eddy and I are in good shape today – Phil not so much.
A month of daily sketches – and more maybe?
Summer project now unveiled
When MIT’s Dewey Library was renovated in 2009, I was invited to create paintings for its lovely pristine walls. I did a color exploration series: 4 30×30 views of Building 10 in different palettes. And the work still resides on the 2nd floor of Dewey Library (Bldg E53 if you are in the neighborhood) and I’ve imagined that people occasionally take a peek.
Early this summer, I learned that those paintings are seen. I was asked to paint another, using the same motif although a bit smaller at 16×16 inches. I was invited to paint the retirement gift for Dr. William Kettyle, the Director of MIT Medical.
The painting was unveiled at Dr. Kettyle’s retirement reception last Wednesday. My apologies for the quality of the photo – the situation was a bit beyond what my phone could handle. The presentations showed clearly the great respect and affection Dr. Kettlyle’s colleagues hold for him. Wonderful speeches full of love. I was honored to make my contribution.

