I have told you before that I like to have several paintings in the works at the same time. I should have checked, maybe I have shown you this one previously but now today’s work is on here. I just painted rocks and tree bark. I love to do this on a day when other life events keep me from being able to concentrate. The almost mindless task of random marks is soothing to my nerves. Actually, a background like this is a lot of work and has a beauty of its own to add to the painting. That is why I chose to do another Mountain Stream Painting at this time. A few years ago, I thought I might change directions away from larger portraits and so I was doing more head and shoulders portraits. After a while, I began to miss the larger ones. Now I have a problem as to where I will put them! So, for now, I just want you to know that my health is coming under control, I think, and I hope to be doing more painting and less doctor visits. I do wish you all much joy in doing your art. I am so grateful I can still do this. Shalom, Diana

I must say that when a subject is so balanced and precise, this becomes a challenge for the artist. It is hard to know when to stop. I think I want to brighten up her cheeks and lips and then call it done. I hope you all have learned something from following this blog or maybe just enjoyed it. Now to go make dinner. Tonight, at least, should be easy; we are having left overs. Shalom, Diana

I took a break to begin work on a new large format painting. I have always liked to have two or three going at once. Then I didn’t want to pull myself out of that one to get back to this. But finally a day arrived when she called to me and I returned. I want to get her completed so that I can enter a special competition. I am posting this so you can see what I have done in the past few sessions, mostly today. She is coming along. Enjoy. I will try to get back to you soon. Shalom, Diana