Virtual Paint out Challenge January 2010 Corsica

I started participating in the Virtual Paint out monthly challenge where a place is listed and using Google maps, you take the street view to pick  a location to paint from the map.  It was fun to see the different spots in Corsica and to pick a location.  The blog to see the submissions is:  http://virtualpaintout.blogspot.com

Here is the spot I picked and my interpretation.
It is on a panel, in oil 6 x 6

6 Impasse de la Route de Ville, Bastia, Northern Corsica, France


I had some difficulty in getting the corner bricks right, and I enhanced the color as it was very washed out in the original photo making everything look sort of gray.

2010

I am not a big fan of New Year's resolutions. But sometimes it is good to think about the year ahead to put things into perspective and to at least give a little thought and focus to the months ahead.

I do want to try to do more painting this year.  Not to get so hung up on making finished paintings, but doing lots of starts and studies as many artists and books advise.  Get more at ease with color choices, getting the starts down, seeing the shapes, lights and shadows, subject material.

All of these areas will teach me more about the craft and can help me improve.

I won't set some sort of number or goal to achieve, but will work to carve time out to retreat to my studio, to let the creative side be nurtured and encouraged.

Here is to a creative and growing year!