The Evolution of "Festival Sunset Dance" by Diana Moses Botkin, Part 1

I told you I'd share about my process for my finished art for The Festival in Sandpoint.

These are the first two studies I did, using my references from the photo shoot with my young friends who danced and jumped in the evening light.

(left)
"Sundown Dance"
Original oil on hardboard
10"x8"
unframed
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin


(left)
"Afternoon Dance"
Original oil on hardboard
8"x6" unframed
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

I had envisioned dancers at sunset near Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, which is the setting for The Festival.

The first study was pretty much what was in my mind but it seemed like too many dancers once I painted it. So, I tried another study with a smaller group of dancers and a simpler afternoon sky, with more focus on the dancers.

Neither felt quite right for The Festival art, although they were fun paintings. Stay tuned to see where I went next with my idea.

By the way, these studies are for sale. Please visit my DailyPainters Gallery page to purchase either of them.

The Evolution of "Festival Sunset Dance" by Diana Moses Botkin

Original oil on hardboard
20"x16" in black and gold frame
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

On my last post here, I said I'd share how I developed this painting for The Festival in Sandpoint.

Because there was not a predetermined theme, the creation and execution of the idea was entirely up to me.

So, how did this painting evolve? The only guidelines I had were to paint something 20"x16" or larger (a LOT bigger than my daily paintings!), and a deadline of only a few weeks away (not much time for a large piece!). The race was on.

I wound up doing 7 studies to get a plan that I felt was good. All this time, the clock was ticking for the deadline. Stay tuned to see the studies!

This blog post is the "short version", so if you'd like to read more about my process, you'll find the full account at my own blog. And if you would like to get in on the bidding for the original painting, simply call The Festival office at (888) 265-4554 or show up at the concerts August 4-14 and place a bid. Signed posters of my art will also be available.

"Fall Line-up" Miniature Landscape Daily Painting by Diana Moses Botkin

Original oil 1.5"x3.5"
with free mini easel
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $39 USD plus $8 S&H

The wide narrow format is interesting to work with. Something like this little 'un could also be commissioned in a large piece. I'm accepting a few special orders, so please contact me if you are interested in big paintings and I'll get you a price list.

"Drama at Day's End" Miniature Landscape Daily Painting by Diana Moses Botkin

Original oil painting, 3.25"x2.25"
in mini frame
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $55 USD plus $8 S&H

A quick little sunset color study to try and capture those dramatic rosy clouds against that opal sky.