People tubing

I have been working on this set of cypress trees in the Frio River since the beginning of June.  It's a nice, tranquil scene.  Too tranquil. 

I asked K. to critique, as it just didn't suit me somehow.  This is where a good critic can inspire a person to achieve new heights--or can just tick you off.  It takes thick skin to grow in a craft whether it involves baking, sculpting, painting or dancing. If you just want positive feedback, ask your fans.  If you want a real opinion, ask someone who is not particularly artsy who has contrasting tastes to yours. 

At any rate, K said that it was  boring and needed a mountain lion or some people splashing. 

"How about some tubers?" 

Tubing is what you do in Texas in the summer if the rivers are up.  If they're down, you throw rocks into the muddy puddles or feed the deer or hunt for arrowheads.  Usually, there is water in the Guadalupe or the Nueces even if the Frio is down to a trickle.  It's not a very big river.  

So, here are the beginnings of my people.  The tuber on the left I made too big to start with.  I had to use water and a paper towel and scrape the paint down. 

So I'm adding a little color.  There is no need to paint in eyes and other features.  I just hope to get lifelike proportions and shadows! 

K is the most brutally honest person in my life.  Sometimes when I ask whether an outfit matches, she says, "Not on this planet."  She blinks rapidly as if the color combo hurts her eyes. Fortunately, we laugh a lot at our own pretensions.  It's a blessing when there's friendship in the family.