It is hard to believe that the workshop is coming to an end.  This morning the winds were light so Frank suggested that we all go out and paint and he would do his demo after lunch when the winds were due to rise. 





I decided to paint the same scene from the same spot that Frank had painted earlier.  Frank came by all of us to make suggestions and comments several times.   We had spread out all over the ranch so he really did have his work cut out for himself.   I had changed the format from vertical to horizontal because I didn't want to do something  that seemed like a copy.  (I needn't have worried...  It's nothing like Frank's... sigh.)   I really like the painting I did in the morning but when I compared it with Frank's after lunch I can see many many things that need to be done to it.





The lunch - as always - was delicious.  I've included two pictures so you can all see what a gourmet fair we are treated to daily.   It's nice to relax and be served and find out all about one another.






After lunch we walked out to an area with many nopales (cactus), where Frank did a demo for those of us who wanted to watch.  Frank took his time and mixed up several piles of colors that he saw in the cactus paddles and in the grasses.  He made "notes" or marks on the canvas to note the outside edges of the shape then roughly brushed in the basic overall color note.  As he began painting in the various paddles he grabbed colors and mixed between the piles of color on his palette.  he designed the painting as we went building up subtleties in colors to suggest what he saw and to make a pleasing design.  He reminded us not to become too specific too fast... he said he wanted to be able to make a nice orchestration on the canvas.   Frank decided to leave the background fairly loose.






We all left happy and satisfied today, but really tired.  Suzanne and I debated about whether to go out but when we heard the fireworks and drums and trumpets we had to go out to see what it was all about.  We never did find out why the people were having a parade, but it was interesting to watch.  It was a religious celebration of some sort... Most of the women were wearing pink and blue and they were carrying a statue of a saint.  However there were what appeared to be Aztec dancers as well along with a lively band group and mounted police to follow up.   After following the parade through town, we found a restaurant and had a great meal.

And now.... buenos noches!!