New Painting!

Breaking Open 

acrylics and paper on canvas

2 x 4 ft

These photos really doesn't do the painting justice at all and it doesn't truly show it's size properly. This is the biggest painting I have painted so far - 2 ft x 4 ft (61 cm x 122 cm).

I got to use Daniel's easel, which I had set up in my studio and really enjoyed the process of painting standing up and with big brushes and long strokes. It really involves your whole body, which is such a new experience for me. I love it!

(You can click on any of these photos to see a larger version.)

So, my plan for this painting was to paint many layers of luminous paints to experiment with color a little more and to use interesting papers to create an abstract painting. Well, that didn't go as planned. I did paint many layers (at least 25 I'd say) and loved the effect, especially where I added a little iridescent paint, I added gorgeous papers, but then I saw the first flower the background and the plan for an abstract painting went out the window.

Although I have to admit that painting flowers was never something I wanted to do. Ever!  But then, two more flowers were added and when I stepped back to survey the painting, I saw the face. It was right there in the background - they eyes and the mouth just needed a little more definition, but it was all right there.

And when I began to paint the face, my heart started beating faster and that was the moment I knew I was connecting with my painting. Right then you know that you are not just putting paint on a canvas, but that the painting is speaking back to you and changing you. I think that feeling is why I love painting so much!

Now with it finished (I think), I just keep starting at the painting and marveling that I actually created this. It still amazes me!!

Well, friends, it's been a busy week here and I haven't been able to check with you as much as I wanted to. I really miss you!! Hopefully this weekend...