The street behind
Posted: June 20, 2016 Filed under: Uncategorized 32 CommentsThe lanes behind main streets are often more interesting to me than crowded thoroughfares. That’s where the good shapes happen. I’ve painted in Rockport quite often and even though the harbour is endlessly fascinating, I thought I’d explore some back streets this time. This tumbling garden and a backdrop of weathered wood houses is directly behind Bearskin Neck, the main drag where all the tourists stroll. I was intrigued by the contrast between colour and monochrome in the scene.
I’m also just back from an exciting day of painting at the New York Botanical Gardens. I have photos and paintings to post but I’ll wait until I return home and have access to my trusty scanner.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
Thanks for the lovely painting today. I too love the back lanes and often spend time scouring through them.
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Thanks Dianne b
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This is a very interesting painting. The color combination, as you said, but also the commoness of the scene. Thank you.
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Thanks so much for writing Deb.
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A good observation nicely executed; colourful flowers against the dull urban shapes.
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Thanks for writing John.
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Thank you for sharing you wonderful paintings. You put a bit of your personality in them and it always makes me smile. I am so enjoying your classes on Craftsy and am having such fun with the instruction you are sharing. I will try to post one of my efforts today. -Malinda Anderson
Sent from my iPhone
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Well, thanks so much for all of this Malinda. I’m glad some personality comes across in the writing. And looking forward to see what you post in Crafsty.
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Hi Shari , I often do the same thing . so interesting to see what’s around the back side of buildings .
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Always more interesting, or at least often more interesting than the fronts. Thanks so much Theresa.
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This is beautiful!
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Thanks Monique!
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I love the contrast between the colorful flowers and the grey buildings:-)
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Thanks so much Birgit.
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I love finding gardens in unexpected places. This sketch is really nice–like a little oasis amidst the busy tourist season.
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There are so many hidden corners like this in Rockport. Every corner has some hidden view that’s perfect for sketching.
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I just love this – the contrast between buildings and flowers yet both remaining interesting! You are sooooo gifted!
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Thanks Judith!
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Fabulous painting, Shari! Man I love the way you abstract things so beautifully. And loved this line, “That’s where the good shapes happen.” So true!
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Thanks my friend!
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Again, you’ve limited your pallet so effectively. Love it, and look forward to your work.. inspirationally and motivationally… à demain ét les jours d’après. ti Paul.
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Merci Paul!
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Beautiful! The flowers in the foreground!!!
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Thanks very much Youanna.
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It was so great meeting you in person yesterday. You and Mark were so generous to allow us to watch you paint and you both shared so much information with us. I hope you got back to Rockport easily yesterday. I agree with you that locations off the tourist area are usually more interesting with unique front gardens, fences, and lovely cottages. This is so charming…exactly what I think of when I think of that area.
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Hi Joan. It was wonderful to finally meet you too. Thanks for coming out to say hello. Wasn’t it a nice event? I loved my afternoon spot under the arbour. The drive home was really long but I’m still happy I made it to the event. Hope to see you next time in New York.
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Lovely, and those buildings are so full of character – they appear to be so naturally nestled there.
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Thanks Sandi. It’s a really interesting strip of old houses — washed grey, weatherbeaten and a beautiful contrast to the flowers.
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I love how you can make “the simple” appear so splendid! Great painting Shari!
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Great to hear from you Victoria. Thanks!
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The grays make the color sing!
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That’s what my teacher Ed Whitney used to say. “Always use a good chunk of neutral grey to make the colour sing”.
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