Venice, the first wash layers

The first wash layer

I am now beginning the most difficult, frustrating yet creatively rewarding part of the painting process. I have no idea what to expect during this phase. I will have good days (layers) and not so good layers. There will be moments where I will think I have lost the painting and will want to give up, but there will also be moments of magic and wonder as the colours unfold. As a viewer and participant in the process I ask for your patience as there will be many posts detailing the process. I never know when a painting will be finished. I just know when it is not. Your assistance and comments will be greatly appreciated. It may even influence the final work. Inviting the world into my studio is indeed a new creative experience. It has always been such a solitary journey as it is for many artists.

detail of 1st wash layer

I work with 2 distinct painting applications. One is a dry brush method and the other through washes of colour applied with a sponge, paper towel or brush. I use a 3 inch and 4 inch flat standard painting brush that you purchase in a building supply store. (Home Depot). I usually have no idea what colour I will use until I see the results of the previous application. I thin the paint with combinations of water and matte medium, both of which create different effects. I will at times throw the paint on to the canvas, drip it, smudge it, and use other techniques to create an array of textures. I will attempt to retain much of the city but as the fog (paint) is applied and drips and falls, I have will no clue what the final painting will look like.

2nd layer wash

2nd layer detail

2nd layer detail