Orange flags and dandelions

Unfortunately these innocent looking orange flags likely mean the end of the large grassy field on campus. These flags mark the utility lines and precede the sighting crew. Next they will install the electrical post and the earth works begin. Years ago the University circulated a plan to build buildings all over campus including this field. It seemed odd in the midst of a budget crisis that the University would choose to build an expensive building, then it occurred to me that the building is meant to alleviate the budget crisis. Once an asset is created, money can be borrowed against it thus helping the bottom line. I hope I am wrong but time will soon tell. In the meantime, I will try to make one last great painting of the field, starting with this study. The idea was to mix the flags and the dandelions in amongst a sea of flowing green grass. The technique is meant to emulate Van Gogh's masterpiece called Grass with Butterflies part of his series done early in Paris when he arrived. That painting is going up for auction and could fetch 40 million. When I first saw it, it seemed like one of his later works it was so well realized, but in fact he was just in the process of learning French impressionism. Its very hard to emulate impressionistic brush strokes with watercolour paint since you can not overlap light on dark, but I did learn a few things when trying this. Weather permitting I'll take another crack at it tomorrow on a larger format.
 

If they do start construction I'll do another series sarcastically called "Green Concordia" 

Orange flags and dandelions, watercolour 5 x 7" 80lb, May 2024 (No. 3755)