Day 155 "Zakim Dusk" ink and pastel 5 x 9

I love the Zakim Bridge in Boston.  It is sleek, angular, graceful.  I enjoy its the views of shifting space as you drive to it and through it.  Recently, we were heading north out of Boston at dusk while approaching the Zakim bridge. The sky shouted out its last gasp of color as the headlights came one in the steady stream of traffic.  A few years ago, my husband, daughter and I rode the Duck Boat tour of Boston on my birthday.   It was a blast, and we drove under the Zakim on a sort of utility road that lead to the harbor.  I reveled in the new views of the Zakim Bridge above.  This is my hundred fifty-fifth daily drawing.  Truth is, I don't know from day to day what I'll draw until I sit down with my sketchbook in front of me.  This is an interesting endeavor.  Can't wait to see what's next.  Thank you for looking. 

"September Dusk" oil 8 x 6

Have you ever had an urge as you are walking or driving along... an insistent urge to stop, mid-thought, or mid-sentence, or mid-stride, to pause and look because the beauty of the moment takes your breath away?  I feel these moments in the city, out here in the suburbs, when traveling, and sometimes stepping out my front door to begin the day.  They come with a sense of peace and inner quiet and thankfulness for being alive. "September Dusk" captures one of those moments, the moments just after the sun has set but before dark settles, along the river near my home.  These moments are especially important for me these days because the world feels even more unsettled to me.  I pray that we can each help our world to move in a constructive, rather than destructive direction.  "Peace" is the November theme for Girls Just Wanna Paint. You can all our paintings here.    As always, thank you for looking.

"Downtown Dusk" 8 x 6 oil on board New Year's intentions

The December challenge for Girls Just Wanna Paint was "intentions".  December is a tricky time to think about intentions. Busy. Busy.   I choose to think about being more intentional, choosing my path rather than reacting to what is on my plate.  One of my goals during this coming year is to spend more time in the city.  I love the streets, people, constantly shifting view as the juxstaposition of buildings and light is constantly rearranging itself.  The city is so stimulating.  I love it.  My husband, daughter and I spent New Year's Eve afternoon, and evening in Boston, walking across the city, dining, watching the wonderful and eclectic parade and then fireworks.  We positioned ourselves on Boylston Street across from the Trinity Church where we could see all the festivities.  I loved every minute despite the cold.  So, my intention is to treat myself to the stimulation of the city more frequently... sort of a gift to me!  "Downtown Dusk" is my intention on canvas. 
 I often look at my paintings in black and white to see if the light and shadow pattern holds.  It's a good way to pick up any value shifts that are breaking the pattern.  I'm pretty satisfied with the results here, but may make a change or two in the coming days.   
See the other interpretations of last month's challenge here. 

Thanks for looking, Happy New Year, and see you in the city.