First Sunset

Are you familiar with those franchise businesses where people combine alcohol consumption with painting? I think the idea is that you get all happied up and can’t tell how horribly you are painting. (It is about the experience rather than the results.) People have shown me their paintings, and they often include a sunset.

I’ve been oil painting since March 8, 2006 and have never painted a single sunset. Now, I can’t say that anymore.

A friend of mine sells real estate in rural Southern California. Hard to imagine there are rural areas in Southern California, but I assure you that there are. He asked if I was willing and able to do custom paintings that he could give as gifts to his clients. This was on the same day, in the very same hour, that I had written him a note suggesting the idea. The note wasn’t yet mailed to him (a real note on real paper) when his email arrived with the very same idea. 

That was weird. Exciting too.

His assistant sent me some photos, which I cropped into various shapes to show her some ideas.

His assistant was very responsive, excited to work with me, and full of helpful suggestions. After reading her instructions, Photoshop Junior and I did this.

Then, I began painting my very first sunset. (You may be relieved to know that it was done without “benefit” of alcohol, although it may have been useful to ameliorate the ugliness that is inevitable when I begin a painting.)

Stay tuned. It is bound to improve with time.

 

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2 Comments

  1. I’m guessing it’s Don Bree…. of course you don’t need to answer. He was in my class at Whitney- sells real estate in rural Southern California … and has the Mineral King connection! … but perhaps not. ?
    Years ago as Christmas gifts for my neighbors I painted a picture of their home on hearts shaped wood/ magnets… back when we all had magnets galore, They were a sweet reminder of their home. That was thirty years ago, and one neighbor, who now lives in Canada, sent me a picture of the magnet she kept.

    Whoever the real estate agent is – the idea is brilliant! For both of you!

    • Anne, you are brilliant, as always. He calls his company Red Hawk Realty.

      That was a wonderful gift idea for your neighbors!


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