I have roughed in the values of the painting with a brush, using a mixture of ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson that we refer to as MUD. I work on a glass palette which makes mixing and cleanup so much easier.

I start painting from the background forward. First I do the sky as this determines the light for the entire painting. Next the distant water and bluffs. Notice the color of the water becomes more intense as it comes closer to the foreground.

The water and the distant buildings are complete. I've begun to block the bouganvillaes in to the wet sky.

Painting the details of the window. I'm using a mahl stick to steady my hand.

Blocking in the building in the foreground. I use the largest brush I can, holding it at the end of the handle which allows me the most control.

Working on the cobblestones. The stones become bluer (cooler) as they recede into the distance. This gives the illusion of the road going down the hill.

It's time to grow some bouganvillaes!
I begin by blocking in the darker, shadow values of the pink foliage, working toward the lighter pinks in the sunlight.

I didn't plan this but it looks pretty good, wearing a palm tree shirt to paint my palms. Again I begin with my largest brush, then put in the details with a smaller one.

And......the finished painting. I'm ready to get Jack and I a cup of hot chocolate so we can sit down and enjoy the view.