All ready

Packed the carry-on baggage for tomorrow, and then went painting right before lunch, just to use up all the paints before I leave to Pennsylvania. It was quiet at McClellan. I like the quietness so I can focus on making a good painting, but I still like to paint with a group so we can learn from each other. I think I have made some progress in handling the colors of the intertwined leaves/tress. In another word, less muddy. But I need to work on the forground. it's too dull.

Took pictures of my 2 summer paintings to test the Nikon D90 settings Ying-Kuen made for me. (Mission Santa Clara at left, and Picchetti Winery at right).

A good painting day

I went to McClellan Ranch park to paint with Brigitte today. It's very relaxing because there was no need to worry about the work or the weekend chores. I did two good paintings, and I think I've finally gotten the idea of toning with the warm background and letting the transparency show through the finished painting. Jim showed me how to handle the lighting of the middle ground trees. It's a good painting day :)

Ying-Kuen took a couple nice pictures of my paintings with the new Nikon camera so I can post them here. Talked to Hsi about the family reunion, as usual she is the gate keeper, responsible and thorough. I even fixed the dinner, can't believe myself!

Last working day before my sabbatical

I've been planning for this sabbatical for months, and today is my last working day before my 7 week sabbatical. Think about this... I will be heading to the east coast for the beautiful fall colors and the family reunion. I can't describe how excited I am. I will be busy in the next 7 weeks, but I have no complaints. I don't even remember when I was this excited last time :)

Well, guess what: I left the car key in the car after I drove to work this morning, so the car battery died when I was ready to go home. I haven't had this mistake for years, I cannot understand why I made this stupid mistake today?!:) Thanks to AAA who came to jump the car within 30 minutes.

I painted a still life (3 apples) tonight, just to prepare myself for Qiang Huang's workshop in January.