Birthday Brownie Points

My mother in-law's birthday is on November 1st, so to earn some brownie points I decided to paint her a picture. My usual rule is to never ever paint a picture as a gift for someone. Ever. When it comes to a painting or any sort of decoration for a home, you can't really give it to someone in case they hate it (Merry Christmas, you get socks!...unless its running socks. In that case, bring 'em on!) Instead of it being a gift it turns into a burden because now they feel they have to display it somewhere and its just a big old mess. I'd rather avoid that.

But, I decided to take a gamble this time. Originally, I had wanted to paint the island in Greece that she's from (Kefalonia), but I couldn't find any decent pics of it, so I settled for a pretty postcard.

Then on to the sketching. I didn't have to do a lot of sketching with this one because of the water and I never sketch out small flowers.

Then the fun part, painting sky and water. I looove doing this. I just spread a light sheen of water on the canvas, then squirt paint directly on it and swirl away with my brush until I'm happy with the results.

I decided to stipple the house and windows to give contrast to the water and make it seem closer to the observer. Also, I like giving the painting some texture. And ok, I just really love to stipple.

further along...

Last night, to the soundtrack my husband killing zombies (its guys' night) I finished! Now it just needs a coat of color-protectant and it's all set to be wrapped.

Score one for the daughter in-law!