Many artists have painted picnics on the grass: Manet, Seurat, Picasso, Bonnard. I wanted to create another family portrait and remembered a spontaneous walk to a Hudson River Pier around the time of Hannah's birthday a few years ago. Early spring, the wisteria was in bloom. Click on the photos to enlarge.I have worked on this painting between trips this May and am setting it aside after more touchups. I took an encaustic painting off my wall in order to take Picnic's photo since the canvas fit exactly in the frame and frankly could use some help!
Everyone has a space on the mix of blankets. I had to invent son and father Bill who was still at the law office as well as add the dogs. Molly, the Beardie, is deceased. I created a new Linda as well, working on Seurat's masterpiece. Seurat, I recently remembered, painted little frames around his paintings, on the canvas. I forgot and added birthday ribbons. I didn't choose to follow Manet and paint a nude in w the children. Picasso did a clever take-off on Manet's painting. You can Google these artists and their Picnics.
Enjoy some of the photos. A good time was had by all. It was cool and windy. I wonder if sleepy David ever got out of the stroller. Jim kept the pizza moving. It took a pediatric surgeon to light the candles and a young mother could enjoy the break. My next goal is a family portrait around a table, maybe at holiday time See you next month! I feel a series coming on.
