In my October newsletter, I shared what was at that time a work in progress. I struggled with the original version of my acrylic on 8x8x1.5 canvas, which I named Kalei and Her Feathered Friend and with each change, I never felt that it was completed. I even repainted another version of it in my art journal and while I liked it, I wasn’t convinced, I should change the view looking through the window. My drawing teacher, Michele, suggested the changes I used in the art journal version which totally changed the view from the window including adding curtains. As a compromise, I did cut down the window size but instead, I only removed the shed, enlarged the Rose of Sharon bush and added a valance curtain. After adding some additional detail, I knew it was finished. Like Pierre Bonnard, I’ve always had a difficult time knowing when a painting is finished, but this time I was sure.
I love it so much that I have been inspired to paint a whole series of Kalei with friends, at play and just contemplating the universe. I’ve already started painting one I did in my art journal and am quite pleased with it so far. I’ll post more in the series in the future.
The first photo is of the original painting of Kalei and Her Feathered Friend followed by the finished piece. Stay tuned.
