Ink and watercolor in large Moleskine watercolor notebook
(To enlarge, click image and select “All Sizes”)
The other night Michael and I were driving down Santa Fe Ave near Gilman in Berkeley and he pointed out these two palm trees that were lit up and glowing in the dark. Tonight I returned to paint them in the dark from the front seat of my car. I couldn’t exactly see what I was doing or what colors I was getting. The light in my car was fairly dim and my paper looked brownish instead of white. I was excited to get home and see it under the light, where it looks completely different. I’m really starting to enjoy letting things just happen with my art instead of trying to control it so much. That’s a wall covered with ivy in front of some small trees in front of the palms, in case you can’t tell.
I’ve been noticing palm trees lately and wondering….why do they exist? Why did they evolve to be so tall and skinny, with the leaves/fronds and fruit up so high up?
Jana Bouc, Artist 
9 replies on “Painting Palms in the Dark”
Jana — I just love how loose you’ve gotten this! And the contrasts!! FANTASTIC! and that touch of ink — right to my heart!
LikeLike
This is just stunning! For not being able to really “see” what you were doing, it is amazing! I love the background blue and the lighted areas of the palm!
LikeLike
Unique coloring.
It has wit and I like it.
LikeLike
Really interesting experiment! And what a way to ‘lose control’. Reminds me of blind contour drawing.
LikeLike
I like the randomness of it all and the fact that your intuition, not your eyes did the painting. I guess there is some kind of intuitive drive at works here that is only vaailable to an artist and not the techician.
LikeLike
I really enjoy looking at your work here and was moved by your “compassion” drawing and writing. Keep us the great work.
LikeLike
the palm trees look really exotic and painting outside at night – that sounds very interesting.
LikeLike
Great comment about letting things happen versus trying to control everything. It’s an every day exercise for me — and definitely can apply to various aspects of life.
I like the results of the poor lighting on your paper and your observations in the dark.
LikeLike
I love that you tried this, Jana. I really want to try more light effects in wc next year, night scenes, too. I think the results you got are so charming!
LikeLike