Here is a comparison with the actual photo. I am surprised to see the front body shortened. I am still working on the positioning of the back right leg. The is the bug's leg. This is the upper right leg of the painting. The wings might get some more light or pop, or not. This is about done.

I did get this posted on 'The Different strokes page.' The painting was so-so. It was a difficult subject.

Most of my difficulty is my computer. I have a new computer and am operating with a free trial of Corel Draw. The discs are missing for this program. I also can not find the disk for my giclee printer.

We moved since these programs were last installed. I have a lot of searching to do.

I am hoping that the color of my new monitor will not mess up my printing process. I guess I can adjust that when I find the software.

The images are flipped here. Obviously the first one is the most developed. Grrr.

All I've got to say, is there is a lot of detail in them thar hills.

Koi close up 8/3

I think that I am finally making progress here. Less paint is more at this stage.

I am frustrated. My computer is down. I have jerry-rigged a laptop, with a card reader. There is no way for me to edit photos at this time. Now I just discovered that I cannot pull up blog pictures for comparison. I guess I can go back and do that later.

I think this painting may now be done. I added highlights in the center. Some of the heavy cadmium yellow was lifted. I pulled back some of the red in the flower and added red to the leaves. Now I don't have isolated color problems.

This is only a part of the painting. The orange fish in the lower left is too straight. I may want to push darks. The goal is to paint more. I have been tired with my mother in the hospital. Hopefully they will release her soon.

Started putting color in this one. So far I am very pleased. I added the bay in the distance. It was the first thing I painted. The actual color choice may not be a reality. More like Key West. I just wanted it notice and color punch. Have to check the shore line. I think the problem is in the photo.

This will sound really stupid, but I just figured out that I had comments and how to view them. It is encouraging to know there are people out there watching. I am excited to start checking out other blogs. Eventually, I will get the hang of this.

I have started the new two week challenge. I think of it as my life. I must simplify, simplify, simplify. At first the San Francisco scene looked drab and hectic. As a started sketching it really be began to appeal to me. After I do this one maybe I will pull out the unfinished 'NY Cotton Candy.' And push to finish it.

I am puzzling over the 'Every day show' at Waverly house. After drawing the detail cramped scene of San Fransisco, I pulled out misc. silverware drawer and thought. That would be a challenge.