First of all, today is September 11th, a hallowed day in our nation and a reminder of how precious this life is, as well as those who protect us in uniform, and how volatile our world can be. Sixteen years later, perhaps even more so.
A small group of buddies travel to Kiawah Island, South Carolina, each May. Five gals always go and if one can't make the trip last minute, I'm the alternate. This works out great for me as I never know when my hubby will be in the general vicinity to watch the kiddos so I can whoop it up with the gals (as in, be the DD, which is my preferred station). Those mamas could outdrink any number of my husband's Ranger buddies, with absolutely no effort whatsoever...
Last year I went with them, and I took the above photo from a country road that ultimately led to the gated island of Kiawah and it's rather fortunate residents off the coast of Charleston, SC. It really was a lovely place to be. No noise, no crime, no "hey baby" at the beach (not that it has ever happened to me, but I was with some bikini clad buddies with cups overflowing that would have gotten a serious stare down at a public beach or at least a whistle...if men still do that kinda thing).
So when Irma was set to devastate Florida and all coastal points northeast, including the South Carolina islands, I remembered the photo I took of Kiawah last May. It was about 7 pm, following a truly memorable dinner out with some kindred spirits (and some 100 proof spirits). Of course, I was driving, so I kept pulling over to take photos. There was just too much not to miss.
I decided to paint that Kiawah photo today, laying down layers that will take on land, sky, and sea. Below is what I've got so far after mixing a custom color for the underpainting. I was shooting for a violet with light portrait pink undertones, but ended up with a really delicious lilac instead.
I realize it looks kinda pinky in this photo but it's just the sunlight. I painted outside today because I wanted the underpainting to dry quickly so that I could start the sketch this afternoon. There's no humidity, otherwise the paint would bubble up on the canvas, which looks cool, but I'm looking for smooth today, not bubbly or cool...
Thank you so much for stopping by today, and a warm hello to Norway and Munich!