Yay, started painting. Oddly starting with the darkest part of the painting, which makes for an intense contrast with the white gessoed linen canvas. But I am starting there because it is the deepest, furthest section away from us. Working from the back creates a wonderful stepping-stone energy, finishing with the objects closest to me. I have had some quick results working that on some very complex paintings, like the Arabesque Series. Each of those paintings took me 3 weeks to finish. When I start to juggle the areas it can take me years before all the energy feels right.
To celebrate the start of the next major work, I prepared a new wood palette. It is just lightweight wood siding, cut to size, I seasoned it with linseed oil (which I don’t recommend for painting, but it’s great for the daily clean up of the palette.
I will be updating often about this painting. It will be one of my most important works: humanism is paramount, sensuality, human love and creation, and secular spirituality.
Michael, Idyllwild, June 29, 2022.
Michael Newberry 