Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen did it right, with Spoonbridge and Cherry in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Ever since I first laid eyes on this masterpiece, I knew it must be painted. After the jump, each step along the way.

A special thank you goes out to the Walker Art Center, for granting me permission to paint in the garden.

Setting up shop; easel, subject matter, beautiful woman – check, check, check.

Feeling out the composition in green, ensuring the cherry, stem and spoon all make the 24″X30″ frame.

Blocking out the water and the city.

Laying down another layer in orange, to further identify the planar structure.

Breaking out the big bad black Sharpie, solidifying the strong parts of the picture.

Further exploring the background, pushing the drawing phase.

Laying out a darker blue sky as an under painting.

A deep green surrounding the somewhat green water – apropos.

Carrying the same green tone into the treeline.

An initial exploration of the cherry – a dark, under painting to set the foundation for the final layer.

It was at this stage, my desire to fill in all white spaces became immense.

A “bright sunny day” challenge – where do you choose to solidify the light in the final image. It is a question like this, which makes me realize, no “real” painting is ever real.

A brighter sky, a brighter tomorrow – for the children.

Getting in on the details, with a red shirt (and soon to be, red matching arms and neck.)

Erin put her photography skills to the test, illuminating the entire scene.

The pink and grey buildings in the background, became an incidental Sheeler palette.

The sun came up behind me, striking an intense frontal lighting scenario.

The light was solidified between 1:00 – 2:00 PM.

Channeling some “after 1980” Jasper Johns on the cluster of mid-pond foliage.

Here comes the lake reflections – joy.

Getting close, with the water sprays in effect.

Just about the final canvas, in context.

Completed. Thank you again Walker Art Center.