Portofino Reflections

Deep green shutters are typically seen in Portofino. This is a pleasant day, but storms on the Mediterranean can be quite intense, the shutters offer great protection so most of the buildings have them. For these I mix Pthalo Blue + Cadmium Orange + White in three different shades: medium, medium-dark and dark. The entire surface of the shutter is covered with the medium-dark green. Then I come back and paint the louvers with the medium shade.

The darkest green mix is used for the edge of the shutters and to delineate the cracks between the individual louvers. Now I begin on the Magenta Petunias. Since I’m painting the flower color over the green of the shutter I have to “lay” the paint on the surface, being very careful not to pick up any of the paint underneath. This technique allows the color of the blossoms to remain clean and not get muddy.

After the flowers are blocked in and the leaves painted I come back in to indicate the deep centers of the Petunias. A mix of Magenta + a tiny bit of Liquin is used.

Paint saved from the harbor wall is used for the ornate beams supporting the slate roof. Now I can finish the blossoms of the Trumpet Vine cascading over the edge.

Wine, cheese and fresh grapes, YUMMMMMMMM. Greens left over from the foliage of the California Poppies and White Lilies will be used for the grapes.

Portofino Reflections     32″ x 44″     Original Oil Painting

We finish up by adding the details on the wine glasses and bottle. Wouldn’t you like to take a seat, sip some wine, relax and enjoy watching the reflections of Portofino rippling and dancing across the water? This has been so much fun. We have to wait a few days to give the paint a chance to dry a bit. Then I’ll spray it with a protective coat of Grumbacher Retouch Varnish and Portofino Reflections will be on its way to Fern and David. Thank you for all of your kind and encouraging comments, I appreciate them greatly. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Mikki Senkarik.

Website: www.senkarik.com