TM8463 Let the Moments Last 36×36 oil on panel

Let the Moments Last is another painting that I thought was finished last summer. It hung on the studio wall drying while I started other paintings, and it looked good. Six months passed, and with all the time spent painting, I learned more ways to manipulate the paint, and more ways to think about the painting. As usual, this brought about a reconsideration of everything in the studio, and Let the Moments Last looked like it had more potential. I put it back on the easel and started to rework the entire painting. I chose to lighten the overall tone of the work, and re-enforce the quality of floating. In keeping with the idea of color field painting, I added more nuanced color variations. I also added a separate pattern of willow leaves drifting on the water. These provided a way to distribute light and golden tones throughout the painting. The overall effect is gentler and richer. I think it is (really) done this time. Details below, plus a view of the earlier version of the painting.

TM8463 Let the Moments Last – detail from upper right quadrant with torn maple leaf

TM8463 Let the Moments Last – detail from left side with reflected tree trunks, floating leaves

Below, the earlier version of Let the Moments Last.

TM8463 Let the Moment Last (earlier verson) 36×36 oil on panel