Pushing the Boundaries

Old World Mysteries 18 x 24 Today is a day to note some firsts...... This painting is the largest i have attempted, 18 x 24, and is my first time working on stretched canvas which i instantly fell in love with. Prior to this all of my works were on prepared panels. I began this painting last Sunday and worked on it for about 8 hours, monday night for a couple hours, and completed the finishing touches in about 4 hours today. My most recent paintings have taken much longer to complete than prior works, which is interesting. I used to have the mindset that i had to finish a painting in one sitting as to not lose the emotion that goes into it. As i learn and grow as an artist i am finding it easier to jump back in the seat and pick up where i left off which includes mixing the colors from scratch again; a scary proposition when trying to match existing colors - a few months ago i might not have been able to pull it off. The old urn, which is clearly the the center piece, was a great challenge. Vicki found it in an antique shop we vistited in downtown Vancouver last Saturday and she knew in an instant that i needed it as a substantial piece added to my growing collection of Tchotchkes. I have to agree with her, it really anchored this larger composition. So, look for me to continue painting on larger canvases, as i keep pushing the boundaries.