I don't always use the same approach when I paint, I like to experiment, but here is a closer look at one of the variations I love to use. First, I apply paint in a bold and fairly abstract manner... (my subject: the patch of tulips in the distance, just to the left of my easel)
... next, I'll get out a piece of vine charcoal and draw on my painting, tightening it up a bit. I fix that drawing on (with fixative or hair spray) then I continue with oil paint, but still allow the process to come through (I let some of that first more abstract paint to show through as well as the charcoal drawing)
and here is the finished painting.
In a couple of weeks, scenes like this will be plenty!
The Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival begins April 16th and goes through May 1st.
I will have an exhibit there of paintings I have produced in the gardens during the festival over the past 5 years.
People always ask me when the best time would be to come, I recommend getting a membership and coming as many times as you can.
