” Reverie ” 9 X 12 oil on Ray Mar Panel
A few months ago, we were treated to a world class concert by musicians Dennis Cahill and Martin Hayes. Fiddle, guitar, Irish Folk and Try To Sit Still music. Hypnotic and contagious, I was taken with Dennis’ focused, calm intensity.
Working from a photograph taken that night by the talented Ted Davis of D & D Studio, St. Croix, I tried to capture that mood. Thanks Ted.
How it began:
Ted’s photo, my sketch.
I like the unfinished, under worked quality of the piece. As hard as it is sometimes to lay down the first brush stroke, it’s often as hard to know when to lay down the dang brush and call it done.
These characters always know when to call it done. It’s usually after a snack, before a snack, after a walk, before a walk, and when we’re in the bed.
Cloud has her own particular Reverie and it often looks like this:
Tags: Caribbean Art, Cloud, D & D Studio, Dennis Cahill, How To Know When It's Finished, portraits, St. Croix, Ted Davis
Asheville: The North West of The South East 
May 5, 2011 at 10:22 pm |
Beautiful. And Cloud too. Swear we have to have dinner in June when we are there.
May 6, 2011 at 11:57 am |
Thanks Reggie and Cloud thanks you too. Don’t swear- let’s just have dinner! Would love to see you.
May 5, 2011 at 10:54 pm |
Hi Bonnie,
You’ve captured that concentration of being in the “music zone”. Luscious colors. Nice to see these new paintings rolling out!
Now what zone was it you said Cloud was in??
May 6, 2011 at 12:00 pm |
Hi Don- this time I really did feel like I got it. I had to step away for a couple of days but when I came back to it, I saw what needed doing and what needed nothing.
Cloud is in the ” Oh ” zone. Oh, I get to sleep on your pillow, Oh I get canned salmon for breakfast, Oh, I get kissed altogether too often………
You doing well in Florida?
May 5, 2011 at 11:41 pm |
You also know when to stop sketching with your brush and start breathing the life in. Makes for a fascinating portrait. Thanks for posting the steps through it.
Garrett still thinks Cloud looks like a dream.
May 6, 2011 at 12:02 pm |
Sam- thanks for stating it that way. As you know, it’s just as easy to suck the life right OUT of it too.
I’m glad I kept it off life support.
Cloud is, a dream. Glad she still has admirers in her post puppy poses.
May 6, 2011 at 1:24 am |
Wonderful painting, and I agree about it being better for being less worked on. Cloud is killllllllllllling me, she is so little and white and pink and cute. I bet Gadjo would like to snuggle up to that bare belly of hers.
May 6, 2011 at 12:04 pm |
Hey Jala- it’s only fair that you’re half dead from Cloud- since Gadjo, Rumi, Miss Lemon and the reclusive Lynxie have done me in forever.
I’m really glad you like the piece. You know how I’ve always admired your oils and still refer to your tips about using them.
May 6, 2011 at 1:42 am |
Hi Mom,
I always enjoy the latest birth, as I signifies a sibling. Well done, it looks like your style and I for one love it.
Be well. You are loved and missed, I can officially say, “I will see you next month.” -Noel
May 6, 2011 at 12:05 pm |
Noel- this is a sibling you don’t have to share with. Can’t wait to see you.
May 6, 2011 at 2:37 am |
WOW…
There is not much more to say…
Okay…..
This
painting
is
awesome!!
You stopped when it was at “WOW”.
May 6, 2011 at 12:06 pm |
Sheesh, Marian- thank you for the kind words. It means a lot to me, coming from you. I ought to install a WOW-O-Meter on my easel that starts to beep when I’ve overdone it.
May 6, 2011 at 10:22 am |
You have captured the musician’s soul. It doesn’t need another stroke. Love seeing your process, too, from photo to sketch to paint. Cloud? There aren’t enough cute words in the world….
May 6, 2011 at 12:08 pm |
Jo-Ann- I hadn’t thought about trying to get his face specifically, not really being a portrait painter, but I do think that I got his essence. Thanks for saying it the way you did.
Cloud is going to inspire an abridged Thesaurus. I’ve run out of words myself…..
May 6, 2011 at 11:04 am |
I love your bold strokes in this painting. It must have been a great concert. Thanks for sharing you work see in in a week.
Diane
May 6, 2011 at 12:09 pm |
Thanks so much Diane- glad you like it. St. Croix is waiting here for your return.
May 6, 2011 at 1:20 pm |
Great painting Bonnalaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, You’ve captured his intensity perfectly. Love the colors and the brushstrokes and just about everything!
The doggies and kitties are adorable as usual. That little pink cloud is too much.
Looking forward to seeing you soon. xoxo
May 7, 2011 at 3:36 pm |
The expression captured on this face says it all, Bonnie. Transporting is what I think it is!
Oh, paint Cloud! What lovely shapes she provides!
May 8, 2011 at 2:00 am |
Yes! You have got ‘it.’ Great work, Bonnie! You’ve captured the expression and moment so well. And, of course, your animals are the cutest ever.
May 28, 2011 at 11:32 pm |
He’s playing it in the classical position.
Great job, i know how difficult guitars are to draw and paint
June 7, 2011 at 1:18 pm |
Gorgeous, Bonnie!
November 24, 2011 at 8:09 pm |
I like it! Wish I could have listened to him play while watch you paint.
Happy Thanksgiving.
January 30, 2012 at 9:13 pm |
Damn Bonnie, that laid back island attitude finally got to you. Be sure to stir enough to stay covered in sunblock.
February 3, 2012 at 5:19 am |
Miss you… Hope you are okay and doing other things besides painting and blogging that you enjoy doing.