I've never been someone who has given themselves a New Years resolution. I've always believed that if there is something you want to change about yourself you shouldn't wait until some arbitrary date has passed. Why wait when you can start now?
That being said, there is something to be said about a brand new year. I find that since we said goodbye to 2015 and hello to 2016 I've been invigorated with new creative energy. My fingers have been itching to hold a paint brush all week, and I knew that since my masters courses begin this evening (yikes!) I better harness that energy while I still have free time.
If you're familiar with me or my work then you'll know that I usually paint fairly small pieces, usually around 6.5 x 11". However, in an effort to push myself stylistically I decided to paint something much larger. Twice as big in fact! Plus, my father gave me a beautiful sable round, size 16 brush for my birthday and I wanted an excuse to use it for the first time.
Recently I've been taking inspiration from antiques I've found in my parents home. For this painting I selected an antique chess set.
My original plan was to lay down an initial wash of hookers green and cobalt blue for my darkest shadows follows by further washes of burnt siena - a very similar technique to what I used in my Keys still life. While I was pleased with the first wash, I was immediately disappointed by the addition of the second.
Although I initially tried to push through the painting I ultimately decided to abandon it and try again. Working mostly wet into wet I allowed the paint to flow freely down the page and into surrounding areas. While I'll be the first to admit that there are issues with this painting, I am pleased by the results. Currently the piece is untitled, (but taking suggestions!) if you're interested in purchasing it please feel free to contact me.
