Creation, Started the Painting

Newberry, Creation, wip, oil on linen, 65x48" June 29, 2022 — Newberry, Creation, wip, oil on linen, 65×48″ June 29, 2022

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.

Newberry, palette for the sky of Creation. Oil paint, safflower oil as medium. Blue Shop Towels, the best. Safflower oil doesn't yellow, so it is important that the White oil paint as it as base. — Newberry, palette for the sky of Creation. Oil paint, safflower oil as medium. Blue Shop Towels, the best. Safflower oil doesn’t yellow, so it is important that the White oil paint as it as base.

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.