Post 34 - October Progress

I have been re working on a couple of the stretched canvases and trying to make the colours and composition work for me, still wanting to simplify further. I can make areas work in some segments, usually the size I am used to working at, therefore need to keep seeing the painting as a whole even if it is a larger scale. I have been trying to do drawings of the painting as it is and this helps me resolve it on a smaller scale first, then I can re paint. fig 1

fig 1

Composition Victorian Garden

Sally Barron 2023

Oil on Canvas 1650 x 1800mm

The next 3 paintings will be stretched this week, and then I will work on them up until the 1 November giving them time to dry before the end of year show.

I am starting to get used to the size of these large canvases and see how I am constantly up against the same problems with how I stand in relation to the canvas on the wall. I have to stretch to reach the top, or bend to cover the lower areas.

Possible solutions.

1. I am concentrating on certain areas to combat this habit of focusing on the middle section as it is the easiest to reach, and in my sight line.

2 Use the physicality of the work as a great way to encourage bolder painting movements and larger brush sizes as well as larger quantities of paint.

3. Stretch canvas earlier in the process so I can turn the canvas and reach other areas easier.

Spectre 2023

Oil on canvas

1650mm x 1800mm

Sonic

1650mm x 1800 mm

To the Island

1650 mm x 1800mm

If a figure appears or a landscape becomes more definite, (as in the case of the last image “To the Island”), I am now happy to work these into the painting. I am not holding onto any idea of what I consider an abstract or representational painting to be.