"Mickey's" 8"x6" Oil on Linen

I love this austere-looking corner pub for several artistic reason but also because it contrasts with the "fellowship" which happens within its walls.

This morning I had the company of two other Plein Air Painters of Chicago, Ellie and Karen Phipps (check their blogs for their take on this location). We had to paint very quickly as the lit side soon move into the shadow side of the building.

Although the bright morning sun made the shadows in general cooler, the red brick was relatively warmish with a purplish cast. The shadows on the sidewalk and road were much cooler than the shadow-side of the building.

Normally I don't sketch first rather I start with large masses of color and value. But for this piece I did "draw" with paint to create and redesign (just a bit) the angles of the roof tops to enhance my design. I really liked how the buildings pop against the sky.

I used two differnt sizes palette knives and my largest round bristle brush. No medium, just lots of lovely oil paint.

We still plan on getting some night painting done so please stop by again soon for those postings.

I'm off to paint with the "Fernwood Ten" in Niles Michigan. If you click on my events listings you'll see their beautiful website. In addition to a paint-out, the Clark Gallery will be showing six of my landscapes through the summer. Preceeds from these sales assist in operation costs of the Fernwood Botanical Gardens and Forest Preserve.