Some Forward Progress, Finally

Trying different color approaches using
open acrylics and composition #7.

Recently I realized it might make sense for me to have three painting projects going on at a time: a landscape, a floral, and a still life to use as a vehicle to hone my skills. I've never been one to work on multiple paintings as I get confused (read frustrated) easily, and I haven't had enough time to work this way. (OK, I admit, I haven't prioritized enough time to do that. I could have easily fit in some art time by not watching Big Bang Theory reruns.)

Trying two versions of my scene, one that
focuses on the sky and one that focuses
on the land.

Here's the interesting part—I'm already starting down this path, almost by accident. I finished composition #9, which is round two of trying to figure out a scene from Arches National Park. I think I'm getting somewhere! I like the second version better, which surprised me as it was the sky that originally drew me to the scene. I have some other photos where the land formations depicted here are easier to see, so now I need to find those and refine this composition further. I'm hoping to really draw the eye to the focal area while keeping the rest of the scene chill.

Once I have this composition/value study where I want it, I plan to use it for painting/medium experimentation. I have some ideas in my head, and I want to see how I can push them to really express myself. I'm actually looking forward to this instead of forcing myself into my studio to "do some real work." This sounds like fun, and having fun has been one of my goals for my art.

And I've been working from composition #7 to paint pears, trying to teach myself how to use acrylics. The four above were painting using the three regular acrylics from my Golden Explorer kit I bought at the beginning of the Covid-19 shelter in place. I've been slowly working through some of Golden's projects, getting a feel for this fast-drying, vibrant medium. Having a value study I like has made a huge difference. I know it works, so it's allowed me to work on color and expression. The four-pear pear piece is small, 8" square, but it's kind of fun. I can see doing more of these in the future. And just for giggles, I went ahead and did a quick study in watercolor. The color isn't as vibrant or interesting, but I got the value the way I wanted it from the start, something I've really been struggling with in watercolor, where it's so easy to have a washed out painting.

And lastly, there is a floral roaming around my brain. This time, I know what I want to express, but I have no idea how to do it. Need to start working on that.

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