Peacock work in progress Part Deux~!

Whew!  This took longer than expected, as usual! I have been painting the stone walls with some false starts here and there.  First was getting the perspective correct - then the values in light and shadow, then painting believable stones.  I am happy to report that most of the stone work is done - I am anxious to get on to the shutters and the main attraction itself.  I have not painted feathers before - fur, but not feathers.  The colors look challenging too.  Well, we never will improve and learn without a challenge.  That is why I am all over the place with subject matter - I want to try everything!

This photo is a bit washed out because I forgot to turn off my spot lights.  Next time I hope to have some more COLOR on the canvas.  I have given myself a deadline of two more weeks to get this done - we shall see. 

Leave a comment and let me know what you think or ask any questions!

Peacock Painting Work in Progress~

Welcome to my WIP - Work in Progress that is!

The reference photo was taken in Tuscany when I tagged along on my hubby's business trip.  This was at a winery in the Black Rooster region.  There were several peacocks running around the property and this one was kind enough to pose for me!

I started with the largest, darkest shapes first as I was taught.  This is to help establish the rest of the values.  Now I am working on the stone around the windows.  I know I am supposed to get paint on the whole canvas before working on any details, but that just goes against my nature - when I start something I want to finish it. 

I will work on the shutters or wall next.  I tend to leave the main event until last , partly because I am procrastinating and, in this case, partly because his feathers ovelap the background.

Please come back for another exciting installment of my WIP!  Same bat time, same bat channel. 

Recipe by request! Soup is good food!

I tweeted yesterday that I was making White bean and roasted garlic soup for my guests this weekend.  I had such a good reaction to it that I thought I would post the recipe.  It originally came from a magazine, but I doctored it up so that is is much yummier!

6 cloves of garlic unpeeled
3 Tbl olive oil
1 large onion chopped
3 carrots chopped
3 cups of chicken broth
2 19 oz cans of white beans rinsed and drained
1 bay leaf
1 teas fresh rosemary leaves chopped - I use dried
1/2 t. tarragon
1/2 t. thyme
1/2 t. pepper

Heat oven to 425 degrees.  Wrap the garlic in foil and roast on the top shelf 25-30 min.  Cool.
Heat oil over med. heat in saucepan.  Add onion and carrot - saute 10 min until soft.  Add broth, beans bay leaf, rosemary, tarragon, thyme and pepper.  Heat to boiling - reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Break open garlic skin and squeeze the soft center into the soup,  Simmer uncovered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove and discard bay leaf.  Puree the mixture in a blender in several batches.  Return to saucepan and reheat.  Serve and enjoy!

You can adjust the seasoning to your taste and add more broth if you like a thinner soup.

While I have your attention,  feel free to sign up for my periodic newsletter to the right - I always include a recipe in each one.

HAPPY EASTER!