One of the great things about painting, as opposed to photography, is the ability to easily change a subject from "how it is" to "how it should be" (or at least how my mind thinks it should be!) Here are two paintings -- oldies but goodies -- that show what I mean.
This scene has wonderful shadows, but the strong sun washes out the colors and makes the grey look particularly, well, grey. My artistic license allowed me to paint the lively colors of reflected light that I wanted to see on the planter. Much more fun this way!
Planter in Spring, 12x12 Oil, Sold
I was painting this scene on location during an unusually hot Spring day when all of the flowers that should have graced the terraced stairway were long past their prime. No matter. I pulled out my artistic landscaping license and the flowers bloomed anew!
High Noon at Lynda's, 9x12 Oil, Sold
