I thought it might be fun to post a painting that was in progress and hopefully bring it to a satisfactory conclusion. The inspiration for this piece came very unexpectedly. While on a plein air painting meet we had spent the day with other artists in Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula exploring the painting possibilities, sketching and painting along the Lake Superior shoreline. Very beautiful with lots of crashing waves and dramatic skies. That evening on our way back to the motel we chanced to drive down Baraga Street and there ahead of us was St. Peter's Cathedral silhouetted against the setting sun. The Cathedral was aglow and a string of streetlights seemed to point the way. I was mesmerized and stopped in the middle of the street to take some pictures. Actually I did pull over and park. My minivan is included in one of the photos I used as a reference for this painting. I was caught up in a beautiful moment and whether I chose it or it chose me I knew I would have to paint this scene. I find it's best to go with your inspirations. The memory of them will nag you until you do something about it. I usually have several rattling around in my head before I can act on them. I've always been attracted to Nocturnes and have painted a few successfully so let's hope this one is among them. I started this 20"x24" oil painting on linen that I prepared with gesso and used a thin under painting of terra rosa. Using several photos and my memory of that unforgettable place I sketched out the composition with a charcoal pencil. The painting isn't too far along yet but I hope you can gain some insight into my process.
