This hot month of July Vevie and the Virtual Paintout gang went to Charleston, South Carolina, USA! What a history this picturesque southern city has. As I "traveled" the city via Google Street View, I was charmed by the horse-drawn carriges, lovely old columned homes, and the sense of history.
But it was this little modest home that caught my heart. The old yard swing, sitting there beckoning one to come, sit a spell, and share a mint julep. With it's lovely moss-laden tree with pink blooms, it sang out to be painted. (Click on any pics to enlarge; I kept most small so the page will load faster for you)
And as I listened to my music while searching, I knew I had found "my" spot when Annie's Song by John Denver started. Here are the words, and now you know how the title for my painting came to be... it just fit the picture:
Annie's Song
by John Denver
Like a night in a forest
Like the mountains in springtime
Like a walk in the rain
Like a storm in the desert
Like a sleepy blue ocean
You fill up my senses
Come fill me again
Come let me love you
Let me give my life to you
Let me drown in your laughter
Let me die in your arms
Let me lay down beside you
Let me always be with you
Come let me love you
Come love me again
John Denver was a senstive soul, and I invite you to listen to this touching song on youtube HERE.
Now without further ado, the photos:
You've seen the original location above.
Here is my Photoshop mock-up version:
Since the scene felt warm and inviting,
I was in a Burnt Sienna mood
I was in a Burnt Sienna mood
for toning the canvas, plus
a little Indian Yellow glow:
The drawing, with values painted:
Blocked in the sky first:
Blocked in the first of the greens
and started cloud play:
Continuing with layers, textures and,
oh yes, Vevie wanted to sit on the
swing instead of on the grass,
swing instead of on the grass,
as originally planned!
And here it is, drying on the easel:
Some fun close-up details:
"Come, Let Me Love You"
Main Street
Charleston, SC USA
9 x 12 acrylics
on wrapped canvas
As always, thank you to Bill Guffey, our leader of the Virtual Paintout gang, for all the hard work you do to keep this train chuggin along!
Vevie (rhymes with Stevie),
my Virtual Paintout muse
Happy painting,
Retta
