Morning Star

"Morning Star"
5" x 5"
Oil on hardboard 

A starburst of primary colors splashed the sky that morning for only a few minutes. I saw it, remembered it and committed it to this tiny square.  As usual, the real thing… the actual painting is prettier in person. 

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
CarolKeene.com
Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com

Destined to be Gray

"Destined to be Gray"
5" x 5"
Oil on hardboard

The days had been clear and the sky had been blue for a week straight. There was bound to be a day like this, and it appeared as the sun rose. Who needs weather.com when you can look out the window and see it for sure?

I liked making a sky without so much color in it. Although the next one off the easel was brilliant.

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
CarolKeene.com
Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com

Rising Above the Crest

"Rising Above the Crest"
5" x 5"
Oil on hardboard

The moon rose above the crest of a little hill. Dotted it like an "i."  It was one of those peaceful evenings when the comings and goings of the stellar orbs was about I wanted to watch.  

My sky paintings are getting smaller.  No reason for it, I just enjoy the five inch panels, too.

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
CarolKeene.com
Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com

Snaking Between

"Snaking Between"
5" x 5"
Oil on hardboard 

The water flowed between the pines back toward the craggy hills, not quite mountains.  I had seen it a few times in passing, but this evening was spectacular. I hope to paint this scene again, possibly with … snow.  Ugh.

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
Carolkeene.com
Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com

Headboard or Gate?

"Headboard or Gate?"
5" x 7"
Oil on canvas panel

I, of course, know which it is, but the more I looked at it after it was painted, the more it looked like what it wasn't. 

No matter how we try, our intentions are never quite clear, are they?

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
CarolKeene.com
Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com

Main After Rain

"Main After Rain"
5" x 7"
Pastel on canvas panel

This is the last of my downtown paintings. I may do more cityscapes, but not necessarily LaCrosse. I get the hang of it now. 

I like using pastels for this purpose.  They're forgiving and seem to speak the essence of old city… especially the way I use pastels.

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
CarolKeene.com
Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com

Main Street, LaCrosse

"Main Street, LaCrosse"
6" x 6"
Pastel on canvas panel

I made a quick study of Main Street with pastels. I'm using photos from the internet, so I don't know which direction I'm facing. What I do know is that these are very old buildings and I'm looking forward to painting them in person… now that I'm a little familiar. 

I haven't painted with pastels in months. I forgot how fun they can be. The next painting, tomorrow, is my favorite.

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
CarolKeene.com
Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com