May Morning at the Pond

TM8338 May Morning at the Pond 36×36 oil on panel

I’ve been studying the ponds at Hamlen Woods for years, stopping by to photograph the wetlands in all weather and seasons. Painting numerous 6×6″ studies, then 16×16″ paintings, until last year when I finished some roughly 24×24″ views. But this month, I finally figured out how I really want to approach the series.

Scaling up to 36×36″ gave me room to explore the nuances of both the process and the pond. I started the painting by rolling on paint with a rubber brayer, purposely being “sloppy” so as to take advantage of chance effects. This was followed by wiping out with rags, spattering, and numerous glazes. Finally, I refined the images with more traditional brush painting and glazes. My goal was to let the various stages show through in the final painting. This layering is evocative of the layered condition of weeds, water, atmosphere that I so love. I also want the painting to read as a place, while offering painterly richness on close inspection.