I’m sitting in my chair studying this painting from across the room, about six feet.I have darkened all but have not finished this layering. This dark chiaroscuro type surface is just like the last one; in person, the darks are obscure and solid but the camera seems to look right through them. I do enjoy a painting with atmosphere and this one certainly has it. There is still a lot of work to do yet. The table will get color, detail and shadow, there are birthday cards on the corner and candle reflections. I am satisfied with the shape and proportions of the plate but those details are still to be added. Then the colorful candles, the icing and the candle light. There are layers of skin tone, color glazing and highlights and also color and detail in the hair. I forgot to mention adjusting the layers of the dresses. So, even though this is looking close to being finished, it is far from it.

I am still waiting to have last tests to clarify this rare genetic disorder that has caused me a lot of misery for longer than I care to think about. Then a relatively simple laparoscopic surgery should give me relief. I’ll keep you posted. Every thing seems to go so slowly. I’m just grateful to have some answers. I hope you are enjoying this portrait. Shalom, Diana

Last evening I spoke with a technician from WordPress, trying to unravel my frustrations with the site every time it is updated. I must say, this sweet woman was very helpful. I am not technologically savvy but she helped a lot and calmed my frustrations from far away in New Zealand! You will see that when you press blog, you will get a drop down that says Today’s Notes. I have also added a few images to the gallery. Maybe soon, I will be able to set up a way to browse through all the portraits I enter.

So for today’s notes, I will briefly tell you that I made a big adjustment to the scalloped cake plate in this birthday painting. I could not get it to look uniform and balanced. There will be a lot of correcting to do in order to cover what I had previously painted and return the table to a natural wood grain appearance. I try never to let mistakes throw me because this is all part of the process. This painting is beginning to get the glow and warmth of the candle light and the mood of the evening birthday celebration. The deep darks are a challenge. I will learn a lot from this experience if I am successful. I hope people feel joyful and content when viewing it. Shalom, Diana

I started this post two hours ago and then I got on the phone with my girls, reporting about the medical procedure I had yesterday. Still unable to identify the cause of the pain I was experiencing for months. The good thing is, I went on a liquid diet for two weeks and when I went back to solid foods, my pain level was way down. I have to see the greatest doctor in Pittsburg next week. If I said his name, I am sure many people would recognize it. He saved my daughter’s life two years ago. He did a stomach surgery on me so he has agreed to consult on this problem.
I am slowly proceeding with the work in progress. I hope to get back to the miniatures of my family this winter. But already it is almost the solstice and the summer sun will be on its way back. (In the middle of our first blizzard I am trying to think positive.)

I will now try to insert a new photo. Let’s see if it gives me any trouble. I’m not the best with technical stuff.

I actually think I got a new photo inserted. With this new program it does not show up until I publish it. With the old one i could see it right away. I will say about this image that it promises to be a special one. I have only painted one other painting with this type of effect. The lighting is very descriptive and shows the mood of a fun evening birthday celebration. I am concentrating to get the festive atmosphere with the brightly lit candles, the promise of a bright future with the extinguished ones and the lingering smoky swirls and the subdued excitement of two sisters sharing each other’s moment of joy. It is so important to get the candle light just right. These are things that we, as artists, do not necessarily know instinctively. We go at it slowly so as to really observe and learn as we go. Enjoy. Shalom, Diana

I am thankful I am working, thankful I am able to work. Everyone is staying confined to their homes except for rare and necessary outings. Bruce and I did not go anywhere for thanksgiving. Layer that week, two of our families began with covid symptoms. We believe both families were infected and tests will verify. One of the indicators is loss of smell and taste. Also my daughter and husband stayed in bed and slept most of the day. That certainly says something. They are doing ok but three of my grandchildren are now ill. They don’t live near us so we are not affected. I am facing a lot of medical tests so I don’t want to interrupt that schedule. I will fill you in as soon as results come in. That always takes a while. My pain was so intense and unbearable that I put myself on a liquid diet. I expected my doctors to have enough knowledge to relieve my pain. I asked repeatedly for help but when they had no suggestions, that is when I cut out solid foods. I went twelve days and then started with some mild, soft foods. I seem to be ok now, just slight discomfort. Anyway, I am painting when I am too tired dipping chocolate. I.ve been doing that about a week. I did not make any last year. Ummm, it is so good. I do not celebrate pagan holidays but winter is the only good time to make chocolate. It stays nice in the freezer. I’ll post a photo. Also I will get an image of the birthdate subject I am working on. Blessings to you all..