Rozelle Court

I love meeting artist friends on Mondays for a little sketch time and lunch!  Wanting to use my ink and watercolor, there are only a few places inside the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to do so.  One of them is Rozelle Court, the terrace cafe where lunch is served, complete with the fountain.  I love the complicated architecture, with columns and arches to up the drama in this historic interior.  Added bonus - a delicious lunch is my reward!  Painting number 4400 in 4400 days.

Rozelle Court Balcony

The Monday Morning Watercolorists chose this place for our sketch venue today.  Originally, if didn't think I could squeeze it in, but it was in a direct line with Parkville, so how could I pass it by?  This is 30 minutes of sketch time with watercolor pencils, which I have a love- hate relationship with!  I love the Italian architecture of this court, and hope to do a few more when I have more time. I need quite a bit is Kansas City work for upcoming events, so this was a great scouting opportunity, too!  Painting number 3343 in 3343 days. 

Food Line at Rozelle Court

Time is not a thing to be squandered,  so when I saw how long the lunch line was,  I took my sketchbook with me!  With limited time,  I had to make fast decisions,  and the first was my composition.  It did seem a little crazy to draw the whole scene - but that was exactly what caked to me,  so I did it!  The first few marks were the central hall, people ahead of me,  and then the structural lines spreading out to the right.  Loose and fast,  I dropped in people,  tables, plants,  until the composition was finished - and it was my turn to grab a tray!  After enjoying soup and a croissant,  I added the color.  I think this very fast piece is my favorite of the day!  I love getting together with fellow artists at the monthly Art Mob event!  What better way to improve your skills than with friends?  Painting number 1534 in 1534 days  :)

Lunch at Rozelle Court

Lunch at Rozelle Court
Oil on panel, 16x12

I must be crazy.  I chose this complicated interior for my daily painting.  I have never painted an interior so complex, or added gestural figures to a scene, and I also threw in difficult iron chairs and tables to the mix.  Oh, and I worked in a larger than normal size for a daily painting!  Well, the figures got easier with each one, the interior was actually fun - but the chairs were not!  I already see things I want to edit a bit - but the day is almost gone - and I have to get this posted for the 30 day challenge.  What a challenge this certainly was!