TM8444 The Source 36×36 oil on panel

I decided to do a more distanced view of the pond, this time showing where the stream enters from the woods. The mysterious woods is as much the subject of the painting as the pond – I can’t help wondering where the stream begins, and what critters I would find if I could kayak in.

This is my first 36×36 pond view using the monotype techniques I developed for the close-up pondscapes. Because of the frigid temperatures this week (paint dries more slowly in a cold studio), I was able to gain more working time to play with textures and drawing into the wet paint. It was exciting to see just how far I could push the image development on that first day. Luckily, the paint was dry enough the next day to begin glazing and finish work. While the deep chill was hardly a choice, I have to admit it brought some benefits. Enjoy!

TM8444 The Source – detail of stream entering pond

TM8444 The Source – detail from far bank

TM8444 The Source – detail from right of center showing textures, use of scraped lines

TM8444 The Source – detail from foreground with lily, pond growth, and sky reflection

Technical painting notes: As I  mentioned above, temperature has a huge effect in the studio. Cold interior temperatures (58 degrees today) provide immensely more “open” time to work before the paint starts to dry (or get tacky). To increase workability I add a mixture of stand oil (linseed oil will work too) and mineral spirits to the paint as I roll it onto the panel.