On the 99th day of my 100 paintings challenge I did a painting of a red-crowned crane. For this painting I drew on my love of Japanese screens, the stylized animals, trees, plants, and scenes that grace these refined yet practical art pieces. The cranes themselves are elegant, their form is beautiful whether flying, standing or dancing. I combined these elements, creating a scene that one would like to step into. Someplace a little magical, with the colors heightened, and with clouds made of gold. The crane is a symbol of gratitude, and without planning it, it was a way saying “thank you” to all of my collectors and friends that had participated in the Century Watercolor Extravaganza.
From this one painting sprang a whole new series. People have responded to these paintings, and they have commissioned me to make them their own crane painting. This has been a joyful series to create, I am along for the ride, and enjoying every minute of it.