"Dana Fork Rocks" © by Laura Wambsgans

Brushing off the tiny winged bugs and bits of leaves from this painting I was reminded of the lesson that it burned into my brain. Again this is Charles Waldman's teaching in action. Charles stressed using the brush to it's potential. Pushing hard to scrub in the beginning wash of oil, keeping the paint very thin. Then when placing your sunlight into the painting, load the brush with lots of juicy paint and with passion make the stoke of sunlight, never to to touched again. Usually it's temping to go over a brush stroke here and there, softening edges, even noodling. This act weakens the painting. Squinting down at my subject, the rocks, I was able to "see" the brilliant sunlight shape on the granite rock and with one stroke place the light into the painting. I would have never been so bold before watching and listening to Charles during his demo. This painting will remain in my studio to remind me to paint bold, strong and confident.

Oil on Linen panel, 8" X 10"