Well, I have to say that after many years of failed attempts, this Labor Day Weekend we finally got it right. We had a picnic yesterday, and we barbecued today. The weather was wonderful every time it had to be. Our picnic was at a beautiful little park in Coral Gables named "Merrie Christmas Park". I don't know why it's called that.
As anyone who has been here knows, South Florida is flat. No hills whatsoever. None at all. (Nada in Miami-speak). Everywhere you look -- flat.
Merrie Christmas Park, though, is a valley in a flat land. How is this? I did a quick Google search, and didn't find much - but it seems the park may once have been a rock pit (perhaps for limestone, like the locally famous Venetian pool.)
For whatever reason, then, you have to descend a small mound to get to this park. And at the side of the park, there is an even higher hill for this valley, and at the top of the hill is a two-story house.
So in between eating and throwing Frisbee and kicking a ball around with Matthew (my son) and Lauren (my niece's daughter) and having an all around grand time with them and with my wife Liz, I had bouts of unsociability as I drew and painted that house, surrounded by singing birds and banyan trees, in the house's vast backyard, Merrie Christmas Park.
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Lovely story; wonderfully productive anti-social behavior :-)
ReplyDeleteLove your range of greens!
ReplyDeleteDan, this is another wonderful drawing. The shadow on the lawn is great.
ReplyDeleteAlways so nice and full of life !
ReplyDeleteThis is a very pretty sketch!
ReplyDeleteSeems like you had a very nice and relaxing day with your family, and the park's name is hilarious! ^^ I love the sketch, and the colors are bright and lively! It really shows that it was a fine day for outdoor activities, and that's just how you bring out the actual events through your art.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dan for your *giggle* comment on my Show Lo sketch. I'd take back the lazy part and replace with "patience" instead. I called it rough because there were mistakes everywhere, and I just wanted to get it over with. Anyway, I'd never in a million years call your work rough :) I was just telling Tanna about you, and that maybe one day we could find a meeting point, and meet up with Raena and whoever that's from the south ^^ I just thought that idea sounds wonderful!
Lovely story and I really like the greens and shadows you have created
ReplyDeleteGreat one Dan! I love the shadows on the lawn and how they change direction to go up the side of the building!
ReplyDeleteAnd Alex has a great idea! If he moves to Louisiana, he won't be far from me. I'm within a few hours of the border. (In Texas, that is close!)
Sounds and looks like you had a great Labor Day weekend! I love the sketch and the story! nancy
ReplyDeleteReally nice drawing. Love the light feel. Also great sotry here. Nice of you to take the time to research a little!
ReplyDeleteLovely sketch... flat florida, sounds like flat Charleston :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for your wonderful comments - you are always so encouraging, and definitely help me stay motivated!
ReplyDeleteAlex and Raena - sounds excellent - there is nothing - nothing at all - that I'd like better! But logistically, I don't know - I am a 14-hour drive away from Baton Rouge, so I'm not too close. And I have some other issues to consider as well. But include me in on any plans and I'll see if there's a way to make it work.
Dear God, man, you have that gift! It´s amazing how you can do everything with few fast lines. I wish I could!
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