I’m using a different mixture for the creamy limestone building. The base colors are MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) + Cadmium Yellow Medium + White. This makes a rich, yellow ochre hue. The four dabs of paint on the right are for the tile roof. MUD + Cadmium Orange are mixed for these. In all of the mixes more MUD is added to the darker tones, more White for the lightest. As usual a blob of Ultramarine Blue + White is mixed to provide coolness.
Notice in the picture above how the perspective lines in the indentations of the rock work give more depth to the painting. These, along with the top of the wall, function to direct the viewer’s eye to the distant village. At the left I’m using the mahl stick in order to steady my hand while painting the door handle with a mix of MUD + Liquin. I decided on green for the door because it’s the compliment of the pinks and reds in the surrounding flowers. This juxtaposition of complimentary colors will make them all appear more vibrant.
The limestone wall is now complete. Notice each individual rock is not completely outlined. I did that on the first rock building I ever painted and the result was definitely NOT satisfactory. Loosely indicating the rocks works much better for me.
The floor is painted with mixtures of MUD + Cadmium Orange. The tiles are warmer in the front and cooler (bluer) as they go back. The wrought iron chairs are drawn, wet into wet, over the floor. We took photos of these chairs at the Cloisters Resort on St. Simons Island, Georgia. We especially liked the graceful sweep of the arms and magenta cushions. The wine in the glasses is blocked in with a wash of Alizarin Crimson + Liquin, giving it a translucent look. I’ll finish off the wine bottle tomorrow! See you then. Hugs, Mikki Senkarik
Mikki Senkarik 
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