August 2021

No time for painting in this frantic month. A month that went out like a lion in my world. But, then I thought of this one unfinished piece I had put away. The composition had been blocked in but not much had been done beyond that point. So, I decided to channel all my focus and
quickly take on the task with as much energy as I could give it and see what the result would be.

The inspiration for this painting was a favorite spot beside a window in my house. My eye is often drawn to the pattern of backlit objects against the window:

The initial block-in was loosely established in very thin burnt sienna and a dark, dark green creating only the big shapes of dark and light but not much beyond that. This essential stage creates the bones of the of the painting. Even at this stage, it makes a statement that sets the composition firmly in place.

I remember at the initial working phase, a little more had been done, and I had stopped to allow it to dry recognizing that the placement and proportions of objects were not quite right. I had to put it aside to dry to repaint the objects in the correct relationships. That is the downfall of a loose approach to painting for me. Careful planning allows accuracy in drawing. Painting with spontaneous abandon may seem more creative and free but does come at a price. It is an issue I continue to struggle with. You can see these inaccuracies in this phase of the dry painting.

With reckless abandon, I attacked the panel. I was determined to give it energy at the expense of precision. I’m convinced this is the way to get to a more expressive way of painting and that the precision comes over time from continued practice, practice, practice. There is nothing
careful in the final painting. I do feel that energy comes through.

 

I love a good painting detail. Often better that the larger image. Here is a nice detail of this one: