The initial underpainting of any of my works is like a schematic map that includes information on basic flow of the painting ( weight of area and direction of force through drawing line), value, and initial thoughts on color palette. I do not start with a unified canvas, as in color field painting. Any emotional component is unconcious but becomes more apparent as a name is chosen for a particular work. The name attached is more of a sugggestion of the direction in which to go, and can become apparent at any stage in the painting, including the very last. It is no more important than any other information the painting carries, but the words do matter.Then begins the more complicated task of filling in information; clarifying direction and flow, deepening or enriching color choices, aligning affinities. The underpainting is a guide to follow but sometimes has to be substantially abandoned as the intent of the painting dictates changes.

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DISCOVERY

OIL ON CANVAS, 2008