The Path Less Taken
making of a painting
art

I often take photos of my artwork at different stages. This helps me see how far it has come, and it provides me with a reference for teaching a class.

I invite you to come along and take a look at the making of "The Path Less Taken."

"What the heck should I paint?" I have an idea, but I wonder if I can make it happen. Sometimes those big white canvases are a bit intimidating. But once I make the first mark, then I can relax.

I have marked in my shapes and done my underpainting. Now, I feel committed to seeing this one through.

Next, I begin to loosely block in shapes and some colour. I enjoy this stage as now I can see the vision.

Layers of thin glazes are applied, building up my shapes and making corrections along the way. This is often the losing sleep stage—yes, literally. I will often get up in the middle of the night to stare at the canvas and make adjustments.

I sometimes hear myself say, "What was I thinking?" But I do the work by adding more brush strokes, looking at the composition, layout, colours, shapes, values...on and on. No wonder I can't sleep. LOL

When I start a painting, I have a preconceived vision in mind, but somewhere along the way, the painting takes off. I don't try to control it; I just have fun with it. This is when the magic happens.

I try not to rush through a painting, as I genuinely enjoy the journey. I enjoy putting it up on my wall at certain stages of development so it can percolate for a few days. When the painting is done, I think, "Now what?"

So take the path that calls your name. Tread softly through this place without a claim.

A winding trail through painted stone, where spirits dance and wildflowers roam.|

There’s beauty where wild things grow, a gentler path, a place to know.