Going Large

The largest painting I had done until recently was a  16x20 inch canvas, and that seemed difficult after doing mostly small paintings on watercolor paper.  I worked and re-worked that canvas and was never satisfied with it.  I progressed from watercolor paper to small canvases, but was not ready to take the plunge to purchase a large (and relatively expensive) canvas that I might not be able to finish.

Fortuitously, I stumbled upon a set of three nice canvases at an auction house and got them for $5 each.  They are 24x24 inches in size, 1-1/2 inches deep, and very sturdy.  Photographs were printed on them, but they came off with a scrub of alcohol.  Some gesso, and I was ready to go.  I found that it wasn't scary at all to start painting when I had such a small investment in the canvases.

"Another World" is the first large canvas that I completed.  It is in my current display at Gallery Eleven.  Several people have noted the Southwest influence.  Not surprisingly, I have been inspired by my trips to New Mexico, where I immersed myself in art in the abundant museums and galleries.