Abstract, "Lagoon"

Abstract, "Lagoon"

This is a large painting, 36" x 48."  It began as an exploration of the foundation color, French Ultramarine, in varying shades.  From there, it simply grew into this abstract.  Some viewers see it as the Santa Rosa lagoon, hence the title.  For me, it is simply an abstract composition which evolved in colors, textures, temperatures, etc. 

Abstract in Multiple Colors (image)

Abstract in Multiple Colors

This painting began with several random strokes on the canvas, each in a different color.  From there I began applying dots and dashes, which radiated in various directions from the original brush strokes.  The radiating patterns interacted with each other, creating an energetic flow.  In stage 3, I applied very thin glazes of strokes of lower value (dark gray purple) in vertical lines and arcs.  The effect gave an architectural feel to the abstract image below, so I added horizontal lines, vaguely like stairs.  Perhaps this is an homage to Piranesi's engravings of imaginary architectural settings.

Abstract in Blue

Abstract in Blue

This painting began with several random brush strokes, in varying shades of blue.  From there, I painted dots and dashes of different hues, radiating in many directions from the original blue strokes.  In stage 3, I apply a "curtain" of vertical dots and dashes across the original abstract design.  The result turned out to be a landscape/abstract in multiple dimensions.  Who knew what direction  this painting would take?