This is is the first painting I have done without any photo references in a long time and at 30″ x 40″ is larger than I usually work. I started out by unwrapping the canvas, placing it on the easel and rubbing its surface with my hands until a pattern emerged. Then I began to sketch in the curved pattern my hand was drawn to very loosely and lightly until a girl with a bird on her shoulder appeared. At first I thought she’d have a necklace of teeth and started to sketch that in and changed my mind. Funny that the shape and size of the canvas helped me settle on a basic compostion. It wasn’t until I got into the painting and considering the colors and my message that the white space seemed to get to me and seem large and intimidating. I decided to use the cool palette from my last painting and fill in the blanks. She’s still in the studio staring me down and I must get to work. This evening I went to town and bought some even larger canvasses. When I got home and called some friends they told me about a local framer who will build excellent large stretchers. It would be great to get that done locally and I don’t mind stretching my own canvas. I kind of get a kick out it.
Post a Comment