Capturing Moments: A Young Girl in Blooming Sagebrush

The painting today is of a young girl standing amidst blooming sagebrush / rabbit brush, enveloped in a striped blanket. The canvas, a modest 8 inches by 8 inches, is part of my commitment to painting almost every day—a practice I’m cultivating to build a consistent artistic habit.

As I delve deeper into this process, I’m realizing the importance of balance in detail. There’s a temptation to add sharper details, especially around the eyes, but I’ve come to appreciate the charm of a slightly impressionistic approach. Too much detail can sometimes detract from the overall feel of the painting. This piece reflects the late summer scenery of Taos, as we transition into early fall—a time of subtle yet clear changes in the landscape.

I’m waiting to see how my approach evolves with the arrival of 12 inch by 12 inch canvases. The larger size offers more room for brush strokes, but it also presents new challenges in maintaining the balance between detail and impression. This journey of daily painting is teaching me some lessons about restraint, expression, and the beauty of simplicity.

Stay tuned as I continue to explore and share more of these daily creations, each one a step forward in my clumsy journey.