Summer Dreams
'Summer Dreams'
by Ellen Rice
I was sitting on a wooden stool in the old TreasureQuest Shoppe on Rt. 26 in Ocean View, Delaware, passing time as I watched the shop for a friend when I started sketching this painting. I didn't make a preliminary drawing, just launched into it with ink on bare paper. There were no reference photos, just memories. appearing on paper one pen stroke at a time.
My mind wandered as I sketched, dreaming of summer days long ago when my family was young and there weren't as many responsibilities - I surely never could have thought of going out on my own as an artist and starting an art gallery.
The developing drawing gave me a good feeling. I took it home and the next day let watercolors flow across the surface of the paper, blotting here and there in the blue to denote clouds, gently swiping across sand to show lighter areas where the sun was hitting, and then, after it was dry, taking a very fine brush to color the snow fence stretching over the dunes to the ocean beyond.
I never would have guessed then, but this would become one of my most popular prints. I can see why, from the perspective of having lived a long time along Delaware's shores. It's happy, light hearted and carefree. It makes me feel like I'm about to cross the dune and enjoy a fun day at the beach.
I hope this cheerful painting brings you happiness, too.
Ellen
My mind wandered as I sketched, dreaming of summer days long ago when my family was young and there weren't as many responsibilities - I surely never could have thought of going out on my own as an artist and starting an art gallery.
The developing drawing gave me a good feeling. I took it home and the next day let watercolors flow across the surface of the paper, blotting here and there in the blue to denote clouds, gently swiping across sand to show lighter areas where the sun was hitting, and then, after it was dry, taking a very fine brush to color the snow fence stretching over the dunes to the ocean beyond.
I never would have guessed then, but this would become one of my most popular prints. I can see why, from the perspective of having lived a long time along Delaware's shores. It's happy, light hearted and carefree. It makes me feel like I'm about to cross the dune and enjoy a fun day at the beach.
I hope this cheerful painting brings you happiness, too.
Ellen
