Tree Abstract

I completed the tree abstract this weekend. It is large: 3' x 4', and is done in acrylic on a stretched Fredrix canvas. I started with a series of small gouache studies in my sketchbook before progressing to a larger 11" x 14" abstract study done on gesso'd 300# Montval watercolor paper. I painted a series of color swatches in my sketchbook, in order to determine the correct acrylic colors to use to replicate the gouache palette. The red was used to create a deeper green shadow in the foreground. From this I developed the final painting, working in the studio as it was raining on and off all day.

I am calling it an abstract, but it is more accurately an impressionistic painting of windblown trees on a hillside on a warm spring day.