Challeging paintings, Entering Spring, 24x24

Entering Spring, 24x24" Pastel on sanded paper

I think paintings have their inherent personalities. Sometimes a painting just practically paints itself, while others simply fight the whole way through to the trash. Most are somewhere in the middle. This one painting was just a challenge to paint. I had started this one last year and then put it away after the plein air season hit. I finally decided to pull it out of moth ball storage and finish it because it belongs in a series that will hang in a show this coming May at American Art Co. It originally had a barn in the field, but it looked so contrived, that I just decided to wash it off with a hose. I also believe this one was so difficult to paint because I made no preliminary sketches or value studies and then just hit the easel running. And running I did all the way up hill. Augh!

Anyway, I'm thrilled it's done and I'm actually pleased with the outcome. Next time, break out the sketch book wouldja, Brenda?