Yesterday on a zoom call someone asked me to explain my process.  The clock was ticking, we were closing in on the hour and that’s a big question.  So I summed it up by saying “I add, add, add and then I start seeing shapes, decide what the paintings going to be about and then edit.”

Done.

Pop it in a frame and hang it on the wall.

If only it was as simple as that – well actually, if it really was as simple as that wouldn’t it be a little boring.  Where’s the adventure? 

However - Add, shapes, decide, edit -  is it in a nutshell.

Let me demonstrate this by using a painting I did last year.

This is the VERY beginning stage when I’m just trying to cover the gesso and build the surface.  It’s fun, really quick painting and I use some house paint so that I can lay it on more economically. 

… then I add, add, add

I know I want a big shape to contrast with all the little complex lines, but how do I want that big shape to look? 

Finally I decide, make a few final adjustments here and there – editing

And it’s finished.

As you can see there’s a lot of decision making, turning, rotating and trying this and that. Finally I discovered I liked it better upside down - that often happens and makes me wonder why I don’t just try painting standing on my head!!!

However, I didn’t sign it on the front as I think it could by hung either way.

Going by the dates on the photos the painting took from 14th June – 29th July to be finished.  It was painted alongside 6 others at the same time.

If you want to know more about my process and follow along as I create my paintings make sure you’re signed up for my newsletter. I won’t bombard you with emails – just a weekly informative and sometimes fun update.