Three Amigos

Three Amigos, oil on gessobord, 6x6 inches

Since I have fallen behind unfortunately with painting, I was looking at my work that I have yet to post.  This one was overlooked at that time of the other "swim" paintings, so I post it now, on another hot, humid Louisville day, reminiscing of just last weekend.  These girls had their own little real estate at the pool, playing a game, and best of all, being kids! 

Ready for the Plunge

Ready for the Plunge, oil on gessobord, 6x6 inches

All I can say is, I wish I was there :-) 

I love painting water and anything involved with it because of my love of swimming. I'm wondering if in the winter I will feel the same way about snow which I also love, and attempt to paint it.

Page Turner in the Sun

Page Turner in the Sun, oil on gessobord, 5x7

As I choose this particular painting this morning for the blog, all I can think about is how calm and peaceful this scene is and how in a matter of the last few days, my life is back to being so hectic :-).

Nothing beats being in your own head with a book, tuning out the rest of the world to calm water.  This woman was in full attention of that.  I don't think she moved for an hour or so. I sure wish I had caught a glimpse of the book she was reading. I need a dose of that as I start my day!!

The Float

The Float, oil on gessobord, 6x6 inches

Even though it's only August 18, it feels like summer is coming to an end in Louisville. School starts earlier then it used to when I was young, and there is not enough time for swimming.  Here are three kids who are still in summer mode.  Not a worry in the world! Just like it used to be. 

Oh, and here is a picture of me painting this particular work :-)

After the Storm

After the Storm, oil on gessobord, 5x7

The cliff rocks behind the lifeguard are saturated with water after  those pop-up storms the southeast seems to get a lot of this summer. When the sun comes out immediately after, its as if nothing ever happened.  I always wonder if the lifeguards are sitting there thinking "where'd everyone go?" Maybe they're just enjoying the break.

High Dive

High Dive, oil on gessobord, 6x6 inches

I belong to a swim club in Louisville that is in an actual  quarry. It was dug over 90 years ago, and the quarried rock was used to build the surrounding neighborhood.  In all actuality, there is no other place like it. The lake is still surrounded by tall rock formations, descending vines and tall trees growing out of the cliff - all in the middle of the city.  I caught this high-diver a little unsure of the three meter leap he was about to encounter.  In the end, he did just fine and provided me with my next subject matter.  

Daily Ritual

Daily Ritual, oil on gessobord, 5x7

There is a zen to swimming on a daily basis, as I discovered about 8 years ago.  No one to disturb you, get all your thinking done, while pushing against a wall of water.  A relaxing effect can also come with watching the rhythms of individual swimmers.  This was an elderly man in terrific physical condition, and this particular day he was swimming for over an hour. Cheers to health and longevity!