I love Degas paintings since my high school student.

I fascinate his colors all the time. He uses different colors even bright colors in shadow. They are surprisingly effective.

Wikipedia:

Edgar Degas (US /deɪˈɡɑː/ or UK /ˈdeɪɡɑː/; born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas, French: [ilɛːʁ ʒɛʁmɛ̃ ɛdɡaʁ də ɡɑ]; 19 July 1834 – 27 September 1917) was a French artist famous for his paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings. He is especially identified with the subject of dance; more than half of his works depict dancers. He is regarded as one of the founders of Impressionism, although he rejected the term, preferring to be called a realist. He was a superb draftsman, and particularly masterly in depicting movement, as can be seen in his rendition of dancers, racecourse subjects and female nudes. His portraits are notable for their psychological complexity and for their portrayal of human isolation.

At the beginning of his career, Degas wanted to be a history painter, a calling for which he was well prepared by his rigorous academic training and close study of classic art. In his early thirties, he changed course, and by bringing the traditional methods of a history painter to bear on contemporary subject matter, he became a classical painter of modern life.

“890. Waiting by Edgar Degas” Watercolor painting by Mariko Irie

The title of the painting in this image is “Waiting” by Edgar Degas.

These figures are not moving but his composition is dynamic and excellent, therefore the painting is so powerful.

His expression of body language is marvelous, isn’t it?

Edgar Degas/Quotes:

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

Painting is easy when you don’t know how, but very difficult when you do.

Only when he no longer knows what he is doing does the painter do good things.

What do you think?

“889. The Young Shepherdess” Watercolor painting by Mariko Irie

This scene was at San Diego Art Museum.

Every time I go to San Diego, I visit this museum in the Balboa Park and visit this painting as well.

This painting is The Young Shepherdess by William Bouguereau.

According to Wikipedia:

William-Adolphe Bouguereau (French: [buɡ(ə)ʁo]; November 30, 1825 – August 19, 1905) was a French academic painter and traditionalist. In his realistic genre paintings he used mythological themes, making modern interpretations of classical subjects, with an emphasis on the female human body. During his life he enjoyed significant popularity in France and the United States, was given numerous official honors, and received top prices for his work.[2] As the quintessential salon painter of his generation, he was reviled by the Impressionist avant-garde. By the early twentieth century, Bouguereau and his art fell out of favor with the public, due in part to changing tastes. In the 1980s, a revival of interest in figure painting led to a rediscovery of Bouguereau and his work. Throughout the course of his life, Bouguereau executed 822 known finished paintings, although the whereabouts of many are still unknown.

He painted skin color of women is fantastic.

It’s transparent, very fresh looking so on. I alway stand in front of the painting and gaze the painting just like he is doing.

“888. Cheerful Morning” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

This location is MacKerricher State Park, CA.

I wanted to have other cheerful exiting morning.

Here it is.

Good morning!!

This painting is also 6” x 6” in oil.

The painting is so small. So each stroke is a part of this painting, which means each stroke is very important. You know oil paint is gooey stuff. It’s easy to get mushy and muddy painting.

When I paint on 6” x 6”, I paint wet on wet. I work fast, I start painting till completed without a break.

I hope you are having a cheerful morning to start a day,

“877. Sunny Morning” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

This location is MacKerricher State Park.

I wanted to capture Fresh air and light of cheerful morning at the beach.

Waves are dancing around and having good energy.

It’s a great start, isn’t it?

Are you smiling?

“886. Light on Waves” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

This location is Mendocino, CA.

It was a little stormy day.

Still the sun tried to come out from thick clouds and shines the waves.

Can you hear the waves crashing on the flat rocks?

“822. Manchester Beach” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

This location is Manchester, CA.

Manchester Beach is an extremely long Beach.

I wondered where is a good place to capture. I cruised around and found this place.

I love the road is swinging.

What do you think?

“881. Rocks at South of Elk” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

This location is South of Elk.

Many rocks stick up from the sea. It’s a very attractive place.

If you pass by this place along the Hwy 1, you will see.

It’s a holiday season.

The world is so busy.

I love to sit here and just breath with waves.

Yes, I love to be in a warm place.

“883. Splashing” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

Let’s remind ourselves a part of universe.

Having healthy, positive, beautiful energy is very important for us and this universe.

Each positive energy cleanses ourselves and this universe.

Just imagine the world that billions people has healthy, positive, beautiful energy.

Let’s keep healthy, positive, beautiful energy inside of us always.

I get from the ocean, trees or the sky.

Let’s go out and breath deeply and feel the energy coming in our bodies.

And send it out as imagining our beautiful universe.

We will see sparkling around us.

“879. Walking down Mendocino Headlands” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

This location is Mendocino Headlands, CA.

I don’t know how many times I came to this place.

It’s my favor place to have a lunch.

I open my lunch box and just stare the ocean, waves coming and going.

It seems the earth breathing.

It’s really soothing.

“877. Whirlpool” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

I always love staring whirlpool since I was a little.

I don’t remember what I was thinking during staring whirlpool all the time.

I just fascinate colors and movement and just sucked into the world.

It’s sooooo beautiful, isn’t it.