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.
Here are some more abstract study sketches. The are done with Holbein acrylic on gesso'd watercolor paper and are 5" x 7" in size.
I am producing a number of large abstract paintings for a mid-century house in Pasadena. I will be documenting the process here. This is the first step: exploring various compositions and color combinations in a series of small studies. I am using acrylic paint applied to 5.5" x 7.5" gessoe'd watercolor paper. I don't have a preconceived idea in mind when I start each study, I just start painting. When the paint starts to look like something, I push it in that direction.
The final paintings will be done in acrylic on stretched canvas. The largest will be 60" x 80". I will be configuring my new studio to allow me to work in these new larger sizes.
I did a number of small studies last year, in fact, the top sketch was from that series. I have been taking some of the original ones and reworking them. I have many more directions to explore.
