Painting Beginnings Can Differ

While the Orchard started out as nearly pure abstract, Garden Illuminated begins with more structure. I still use pastel and matte medium to map out the composition quickly but the first layer is much more tight, the colors are more restricted.

As you get a look below, you can still see the same technique of placing chalk pastel on the canvas covered in matte medium wash is still used but I stay more within "the lines".

The Orchard went from bright to more realistic colors. This painting was reverse, starting out muted then going bright! This garden definitely grows! Future blogs will add on the layers and colors. If you are curious about other completed works, check out more images on my portfolio.

Painting Apple Blossoms

A layer of darks are blended into the grass to soften the lights. Deep blues and purples are roughed into the tree blossoms. The challenge will be to soften that look into apple blossoms.

The Making of the Orchard Painting Takes To The Streets

The first layer is abstract, pastel chalk with matte medium, a foundation of bright rich color. Then comes the second layer using acrylic thinned with matte medium. I use the paints that are most translucent.

Every Saturday during the summer, the Farmers Market sets up just outside the back door of our studio space so we decide to take the painting to the streets each weekend for all to see the process.

I came up with the idea of painting BIG! It is absolutely a blast. Harmony came up with the idea of painting outside right across the alley from the Farmer's Market. (Marybeth, who you meet a few postings ago) is taking the picture.