Hibiscus Basil and Prednisone

My studio efforts for today is this work in progress hibiscus and basil ( 6x12, oils) set up. It's a nice grouping because the rootbeer bottle was from dinner out my husband had the other evening, the basil cutting from my girlfriend Lisa and the hibiscus from my garden. This still needs refining but definitely an excellent start for me and I'm so pleased!

My life has changed the last 15 days. My orthopedic doctor put me on Prednisone to help control the inflammation of my rotator cuff injury. I've been enduring the pain for TWO YEARS! Not realizing that it has taxed me not only physically, but also emotionally and mentally! I just finished 6 weeks of physical therapy which didn't really take, and that's after a cortisone shot. But I can't believe how much these steroid pills have turned me back to the Erika I used to know! I've been so enthusiastic, productive and happy because I've been void of pain!

Well today I took the last pill. These meds would cause more bad than good if the doc were to keep me on them. So I made sure I painted today so I can at least have a physical proof that I felt good today! And hope the non-steroidal meds I will be taking will keep me engaged to the Erika I knew well!

Studying Richard Schmid

"Fallen Pine (after Richard Schmid)" 8x10 oil canvas

I signed up for an online course with Katie Swatland who is offering lessons from her mentor, the master Richard Schmid. This is after all the closest I've ever get to receiving direct contact or teachings from Schmid I'll ever get! This is the first lesson - above is my study from his original piece entitled "Fallen Pine". I'm liking it so far!

"Dappled" 9x12 oil on canvas

Feeling good about the lesson, I thought I'd do a "plein air" painting yesterday as I worked in the comforts of my air-conditioned art room, I painted my gazebo.... both as I see it in the future and as I looked at it lol My good neighbor gave me the arch from their yard which I gladly accepted because of this vision I have. If I can figure out a twining perennial vine with bright red colorful blooms I'd be in great shape! Any suggestions?

Well I'm disappointed in my little exploration here though. I painted the piece in my usual too complete and tight manner plus I sort of Kincaidized it (made it pretty). Perhaps it would help if I just painted what was actually in front of me and I could have just concentrated on shapes and lights.

At least I painted! And that in itself is big victory, right?