Session Six
Taking a couple of days away from this painting was the right decision. The board was totally dry today so I didn’t have a problem with lifting paint. As I created form, a little lifting to blend with was okay — on the brink of disaster at times but still a good thing. By letting it dry thoroughly, I can start building again and get some crisp edges.
I sharpened up some of my detail today, refinding stuff that got mushy as I built form. I’m also thinking about contrast, realizing that each value affects the value next door. The shadows are added and will be developed more - at this point I’m thinking about how they fit in to the composition and work lightly so I can make changes if necessary.
Painting is really one decision after another…it’s like walking down a path, one step at a time. Each small decision is built on the last small decision and the piece starts to head in a direction that is SOMEWHAT planned and somewhat by chance. It’s like life, right? Even a tiny decision made while my brain is on neutral can lead to another decision that makes a huge difference. Balance is an overused word but it is what I strive for. I want to relax and paint intuitively but also look at the piece objectively as it progresses. Too much emotion will run me off into the ditch and all reason will make a boring piece.
I think this little painting is starting to pop but I’d like more confidence to show through — more drama maybe. I want to do that without being overbearing though, so I ramp the color and contrast up gently.
