This 28” X 36” unstretched canvas was placed face-down on my drawing table and covered with plastic. Flipping it over, I had written: “Spring ’03”, and, “Flight to Heaven”, an unfinished message that has cushioned the drawing surface for more than 10 years.
Recently I took another look. The abstracted layers of water and radiations of sun seem to splash against the summer sea. I like that its beams are cheerful and bright. At half-point a bird angles through the atmospheric barriers. I wonder through what tests a soul must pass before ascending to heaven.
October is a good time to start a painting. My gardens are quiet and the season will soon turn inward. Winter awaits and I have the inspiration to tackle this image that once stopped me. I am sure something wants to be unravelled here.
I would like to document the progress of this painting, regardless of whether I come to understand it. If you would be interested in seeing how the piece develops over time, here we go with Step #1:
Step One: The image reproduced on the stretched canvas, in attempt to retain some of the major linear movements, colors and shapes.
With resources no more recent than my original image, I stretched and gessoed a 20” X 32” canvas (different in proportion from the original), added the suggested colour shapes, and coordinated a few of the major linear movements. The original had embedded string lines along the wave tips but I now prefer that texture be earned and not assumed. Retaining the light fresh feeling while keeping the weighty idea will be enough for now.
If you would like to learn more about painting, I offer instruction.
Christene
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Comments 2
I would be tempted to try my hand at painting if I was here this winter Chris. Looking good!
Christine , Your painting is as complex as life itself . Interesting how one works through and struggles to convey ones feelings . Showing the different stages from 1 to 3 And keeping some from each , such is life . Despite all the struggles , your painting shows hope and will reach its goals .