"Lover's Stroll"

"Lover's Stroll" 16x20 oil on linen panel

      Here is the finished version of the painting I showed you in progress last week. On December 30th  I had also posted the small, 8x10 inch plein air painting this painting was rather faithfully based on.  The plein air painting is titled "Deer Track on the Dune" and that post explains the reason for that title.  When I started this studio painting I mentioned Iwanted to paint in the couple I had seen strolling up the dune while I was painting.  Both of them were wearing long, flowing white terry cloth robes.  I had the impression they had been in a hot tub and then took advantage of the mild 60 degree December day to have a late afternoon stroll on the beach after their soak.  Having stuck my feet in the ocean earlier that afternoon I can pretty much guarantee they weren't coming in from a swim!  In any case their presence in the painting made me want to change the title of the painting and "Lover's Stroll" seemed appropriate.

     If you look at the earlier post you will see I changed the sky as I mentioned I would.  I did in fact sand it down (too much impasto) and removed a good portion of the clouds.  There was too much going on in the sky before the changes.  I am now happy with the result and am ready to sign the painting.  I hope you enjoy it!