February 15, 2008 Greenhead Calm

7 1/2 x 10, watercolor and pastel on board, unfinished
Since the opening I have had many questions about my painting methods. So in this entry I will explain. When in the studio, I do not begin to paint until I can visualize an image, so for instance for a painting-a-day, this is often done the night before and I sleep on it or I find it in an early walk the next day. Next, I choose or make a marble dust board. The strokes can vary the effect, such as yesterday's snow. Today there is a dynamic swish to balance the calmness in the water. Next the watercolor (or oil) paint is applied. Big shapes is the name of the game here. When wet I wipe out my lights. At this point I am very conscious of edges. It is later I want to choose where to put edges, preferably at the focal point. Now blow dry (since I am inpatient) and now ah! the pastel. I am leaving off on the third layer of pastel. I will finish this one later since I need thinking time. Till tomorrow!
PS After painting this site for the second time I know why they call it Greenhead. (that's also why I did the underpainting with its complementary color... so much green!!!

Greenhead in the Blue Fog or The Brooding Teenager

5.5 x 6, pastel on board, $100. plus ship and tax
Yesterday the flu had me down, fever nausea. Today I am beginning to win and thus back in the studio this afternoon.
This is Greenhead, in the lovely small town of Stonington, Maine. It has many moods, which can change by the hour. This time it was brooding, like only a teenager who has limits can.