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For the next 24 hours, this painting is specially priced at $150! 
After 24 hours, it will return to its retail price of $250.
75% of the proceeds will go to a wildfire relief fund. 

This painting is 10" x 8". Click here if you would like to purchase this watercolor,

"It seems as though the sky is having the final say in this painting, as it gives its closing remarks for the day. The pond in the back is reflecting on what is being said. The waterway is echoing the pond's sentiment, as well as those from the shoreline trees, while the day is finishing up everything it started before it gets too dark."

That little story is what I wrote for a description of this painting. I was running behind and getting worried you might not see a watercolor today. My usual preparations were cast aside as I flew into something I thought I might be able to pull off, maybe. But then the sky gave me fits. It definitely was having the last word in how things were going to look. I was making it up as I went along. What a freeing feeling, as I never, or rarely ever, work straight out of my head. (I've always kind of felt like I didn't have anything in my head that I could just run willy-nilly into a painting without due planning and lots of reference.) Was it freeing, or was it terrifying? More terrifying, I think. Okay, I have to admit I did have three reference photos to work from, so I wasn't totally without backup. 

This painting is another from the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge, looking across the waterway. You can see another portion of water there in the background. I really wanted to get an oak tree in there, just because I love oak trees. This scene needed some drama, so I decided to go darker with it and add in a special sky. It was at that point that the sky began to tell its story and the rest of the cast were all playing supporting roles. 

That's the way it is, though. Parts of the work start talking to other parts. The trees and the water were having a very difficult discussion about what their reflections should look like. The hill in the foreground was disappointed that it had to be partially in the dark, and that it couldn't have more little weeds. The sun is, at this very moment, very disgruntled that it isn't throwing off more orange in its rays. And the water wanted more little sparkles, but sparkles are really hard. I don't do sparkles, and that's what I told the water. You see how it is? Everybody wants a say in how they should look, and I'm just trying my best to please them all, and still leave a place to sign the work when everyone is finally satisfied. That's how I can tell when a painting is finished; everyone is finally quiet and happy with how they look.

That wraps up day 13 of Project Wildfire. Who knows what will happen on day 14, or who will be in my cast of characters. Heaven help us if it's sheep.

Thank you for following along, and for supporting my efforts to raise funds to help with wildfire relief.

Until tomorrow, I send you good thoughts and sweet dreams,
Kristi