TM8891 This Side of Seen and Sylvan 7×7 oil on paper

TM8887 A Little Green, A Brighter Blue, and I Have Not Forgotten You 7×7 oil on paper

I’ve been working on the pondscapes in a larger format for a few years, and thoroughly enjoying the experience. But to keep the series fresh, it’s a good idea to experiment. With that in mind, and playfulness as the operative assumption, I’m starting a series of “mini” pondscapes. The first are 7×7″ square – large enough to play with the tools of the trade of painting, small enough to remain spontaneous. I hope they bring you as much joy as they bring me.

Technical painting notes: The paintings are on rag papers, some primed front and back with acrylic gesso, some with shellac. I used my silicone scraper and a sharp pencil to draw lines. A palette knife did much of the work of laying in color and shapes. Occasionally, I used a rubber roller to soften an edge.