“My experience is what I agree to attend to. Only those items which I notice shape my mind.” 
--William James, The Principles of Psychology, Vol.1

This was posted on Gretchin Rubin's facebook page for the Happiness Project

It is so perfect for painting which I am sure is a mantra that all should heed.  Don't paint everything you see!  The lost edge, the mysterious shadows, the bleached sunlight...........it's just a slab of paint...that's what makes the difference between the ho hum painting and the jaw dropping paintings. (well, one of the things)

Outside my door

Up the road

$249. SOLD

AGAIN I harken back to the post previously about using new eyes.  I look outside and everywhere I look once I drive out of the neighborhood a few blocks is beautiful, gorgeous, countryside.  I've painted so many versions of the "vineyard."  To someone else it may seem redundant but I see something new everytime.  I not only paint what I see but I love to simultaneously change my color harmonies and see how to build it.  I always do best if I paint the forest before the trees and it's especially fun if I paint the details after the drying.  It's easier to get the big shapes.  The atmospheric effect can come from a simple scumble of the of medium and a warm color. and a tightening of the harmonies.