Old Mission Chapel Santa Barbara, Ca.

 I was excited to do this painting for A Day Not Wasted July Challenge. As soon as I saw the wonderful old rock walls, patched together with plaster, with bricks peeking through here and there, and the faded old wooden door - I knew I wanted to paint this picture with a palette knife to achieve the rustic look. I also love the beautiful bright cobalt blue sky, a lovely contrast to orange/ochre rocks and the vermilion wrought iron fence, that surrounds the chapel cemetery. As I looked at the picture now that it is finished and posted, my only critique is that I should have painted the shadow areas around the door. At the time I wanted the door itself to be seen -  in Lee's beautiful photo it was partially in deep shadows. Maybe I'll try to fix that - maybe! Sometimes it is better to leave well enough alone and learn from your mistakes...  We'll see!