 The start of a new cow piece | I'm getting ready to go on a wonderful camping vacation, which means I need to concentrate right now in the Luna Fiber studios, under-painting some new cradled wood canvases to feature compositions completed in torn paper collage. The under-paintings ride along in the camper, waiting for me to apply the finish paper work in the outdoors of beautiful wooded locations. Each piece is a little different--here I'm doing a piece which is loose and fast and just suggests the final painting. |
| This new cow piece shows as a bit dark and murky--the final composition will be colorful and vibrant. I lay in shadow and highlight in these early steps to help guide my painting process.  Cow highlights and shadows I decided that the Sunflowers series needed some friends. On the easel is "Lilac Bouquet" and a larger piece called "Wildflowers". There's always a magical zen time to the working of an under-painting: the loose and fast format allows a relaxed yet frenzied creativity. Perfection isn't the goal--getting the general feel for the piece is the overall goal. |  Lilac Bouquet under-painting Lilacs are one of my favorite flowers. I love collecting big bouquets of these fragrant flowers in each summer. I'm painting the bouquet here as if someone has handed it to me.  Bold brushing for Wildflowers |
Before I work in the subject matter, I use big bold strokes of the brush to create the outdoor background: Sky with clouds, branches with wispy leaves, birds with feathery bodies. This joyful time is accomplished with a wide flat brush--no need for detail marks yet.
Prepping the sky background for "Wildflowers"
"Wildflowers" -under-painting. Sometimes I like the painting so well I consider not papering over. I'm always glad when I do, though. Stay tuned for how "Wildflowers", "Lilacs" and the newest bovine come along!
"Wildflowers" under-painting. Big brush strokes, loose paint, quick lines.
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