I recently arrived in Vermont, for my first one month art residency. For the last several weeks, I have been priming canvas (with oil primer) and sanding between layers. This is a new style of canvas preparation for me, but so far I love it. I also spent the last couple months creating several detailed watercolor and gouache "sketches" that have become a whole new beast on their own. As usual, I was impressed by how expediently I completed the first one, which was a feeling I did not have for long. I find that with each new "sketch" my work time practically doubles from the last one, as I become increasingly obsessed with detail, style and technique. Out of these new works, I have chosen to paint three of my favorites, as oils on 36" X 48" Canvas. In the past, I have used mostly photos and drawings as references for my oil paintings. For my new work, I hope to use only my own gouache studies, and allow myself room to adapt and change my painting style. So far I find it very liberating. You can see the progress of these studies below...
