setting goals and working in a series

I began the month of October with the goal of completing a series of small abstract paintings that celebrate the color and texture of Autumn. I also had in mind to experiment with process.

After a base coat from my "gray jar" onto the six 8 x 8 inch panels, I then applied  vibrant color to serve as a contrast for further layers.

Next I adhered leaf shapes cut from contact paper onto the panels and added another layer of paint using autumn inspired color. Removing the contact paper left the shapes exposing the previous contrasting layer of underpainting.

Songs For Autumn No. 4, acrylic on panel, 8 x 8 inches

At this point I began addressing each panel individually, working with what was already established to bring each to a point of completion.

Songs For Autumn No. 3, acrylic on panel, 8 x 8 inches

Establishing parameters of size, color, and process was a satisfying method for working in a series. It is something that will no doubt carry over into future works. I set up this series with plenty of room to play within a specific process to achieve my desired result knowing that I now require some unknowns in order to achieve my goals. This realization is quite a departure from where I was a little over a year ago when my art was based, however loosely, in the world of realism. When painting with a goal of realism the finished image was often envisioned before I began to dip my brush into the first paint color. It was more centered on the process of execution than creation through discovery. Since starting this journey into abstraction I have come to realize that I do enjoy the excitement of the unknown when beginning a new work, fresh, without expectations. 

Songs For Autumn Series is now available in my Etsy shop. Clicking on any image above will take you right there.