“A painting is never finished – it simply stops in interesting places.” -Paul Gardner
I had painted this and declared it done a few months ago. I was about ready to frame it and then I paused and I was like, hmmmm, is it done though? In the original landscape I did not add that tree on the right side of the path. I always felt conflicted that I had edited it out. I had been worried that it wouldn’t work or that I wouldn’t be able to do it justice. I consulted with my most honest consultant (my 13 year old) and she looked at my reference photo and said, you need to add the tree.
So I decided to give it a shot because that was my feeling too. I added the tree, and I was like, ehhhh. She came home from her camp and said, it’s overly detailed compared to the tree mass to the left. And I replied- that’s exactly what I was thinking. So I simplified. It’s nice that my most honest consultant and I are always on the same wavelength. I do disagree with her at times though when her advice is to add more clouds and I’m like, but it was a cloudless day! She always wants me to add clouds.
What doesn’t quite come through the screen is that this oil painting is actually pretty textured. Years ago, this had been another painting where I had been experimenting with Golden products as a base layer to add texture and interest. So that texture is still there under all the layers of paint, which you can see. But also there is texture from the brushstrokes and the way I laid down the oil paint.
If you are local and want to see this in person, this painting will be in the upcoming show at Manor Mill in Monkton, opening on July 29th.