Backyard Bliss

Backyard Bliss
16 x 20 Oil Painting
by Pat Fiorello

It's been a long summer. I counted since May 1, I have been away for about 10 weeks. Some of it was planned and for fun - like teaching a painting workshop in Spain, my brother's wedding, a family reunion for my husband's family in Chicago and a visit to see our 10 month old grandson and his parents in Dallas. A few of the other trips were unexpected and no so happy- my mom was hospitalized on 2 different occasions and she ultimately passed away on July 10 and my uncle passed away in June, so spent a few tough weeks in NY/NJ/Conn.

I feel like I've experienced the full gamut of emotions this summer, the highs and lows, between babies, weddings and funerals. Throughout these ups and downs, I have gotten in some painting when I could, including 4 commissions that were due this month, but I've really felt out of my normal painting rhythm, so glad to be home now for at least a few days to get back into it.

I bought some hydrangeas and decided to paint them outdoors in my backyard in front of another type of hydrangea bush. Yesterday I started out with a smaller canvas (12 x 16) and painted "Hydrangeas in the Sun" (below). I started out small since I wanted to warm up after a considerable painting hiatus and also since it was pretty hot on an Atlanta summer day so I didn't want to be out there too long with a large canvas. While I was satisfied with this painting, I realized that it really wasn't what I originally intended, which was to get the full scene. So last night I came up with a new composition and pulled out a larger canvas. That was the inspiration for today's painting "Backyard Bliss", 16 x 20.

I've taken an on-line course with artist Dennis Perrin who stresses the importance of having a clear painting intention and letting that drive your decision making and painting experience. I can see from these past few days how truly important that is.

The oil paints and brushes are put away for a few days now as I leave to teach a watercolor workshop in North Carolina, but I'll be back soon sharing some more painting and lessons along the way.