Bigger is better?

Well, I'm not too happy with the 36"x 36" Half Moon Bay "landscape" (from the last post) so I set that one aside for now. It got too busy and convoluted. I'll have to go back and paint out quite a lot of it, though which parts remain to be seen.

For no particular reason, I decided to get some stretcher bars and try stretching a big canvas. Many layers of gesso later, I started on my 48" x 54". I'm trying to stay with a light background and keep the color scheme simple, learning from the last painting which, as I mentioned, got way too busy. So here are the first 4 stages.




I am definitely influenced by (ripping off) Joan Mitchell. Gotta start SOMEWHERE! It is WAY harder to do than it looks. I hope I can pull it off.

Also, I've switched to oils for this one and I'm happier with the slower drying time.