Painting Process

There is a struggle with every painting, though it gets easier with more experience, to paint over something that you like to make the painting better as a whole.  I will often take a photo of the painting before I dive into the new change, just to have a record of it and to help me “let go.” 

Then it occurred to me, why not incorporate some of this process into the final product? 

I began by creating a painting.  Then took a photo of it.  Then I collaged the photo into the painting.  Took another photo.  Collaged that in, and so on.  After many layers and letting the entire collage dry thoroughly, I took a deep breath and plunged in to re-paint the painting over the “process.”  By using transparent colors in this final layer, the “process” shows subtly through the final image.

Here was the original painting (its 48" x 60")(and remember you can click on the image to see a larger version of it):

Here it is partway through the collage process:

And here's the final painting, titled "Ephemeral":

Progress

I've been working some more on the last painting I posted… here's the progress.
Its starting to come together.  I like the angles, blocks of color and basic shapes within the face, as well as the mood it evokes.

Angles

I've been experimenting with a more abstract, angular approach to the face… here's one I like. It feels good to try new things.