Week 67

Setting up our palette is one of the most important things we do in our painting. It’s something that is never posted, and it ends up in the wastebasket after, but is crucial to a successful piece. It’s the trial and error, the fluid motion of color in process. Often I really struggle in this point. But once the tubes have been squeezed- warm colors on one side, cooler on the other, the moment eases into a state of creation. We always squeeze two different puddles of white on opposite sides of the palette. Although we try not to use just white, when you need it- it has to be clean. Two people working on one palette makes things interesting- once you’ve made a color- the other may steal it from you!

This scene, a moment in Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma, shines in it’s serene beauty. The color palette is as warm as the day and as comfortable as the quiet surrounding. The old stone bridge shimmered in a reflection that was enduring but never the same. I hope in looking back on my life, I will be able to say the same for myself.

Over and Under

18x24 | Oil on Hardwood Panel