Creative Process: Morning Ramble

Morning Ramble, 20 x 16 inches

When I began this painting, I first completed a scaled color-study of the composition.Because I was working from a photo reference, I wanted to explore a few ideas and experiment on how I was going to simplify the busy and information filled background.

Something you may know about me, is that I am SUPER fascinated with detail, lots of texture, and complex shapes. However, detail and texture must be incorporated thoughtfully into a painting or else it will overwhelm the composition.

IMG_4400.jpg

Here is the 10 x 8 inches color study and other progress photos (all progress photos were taken with my iphone, so quality varies):

This was my progress completed in my first painting session.

IMG_4007.jpg
IMG_4005.jpg

Here I am a few more days into the painting.

IMG_4031.jpg

More time dedicated into painting the garden background.

IMG_4041.jpg

Moving forward with the composition.

IMG_4290.jpg
IMG_4331-1.jpg

Beginning to tackle the foreground and how Naomi connects with the Sweet William flowers in front of her.

IMG_4331.jpg
IMG_4394-1.jpg
IMG_4394.jpg

After I got this far, I wasn't completely satisfied with how Naomi stood out in the composition. So I began to mentally explore what changes I would need to do to make Naomi a stronger visual element in the piece.  Eventually I decided to alter the height of the tall plants that were to the left.

IMG_4632.jpg

And here is the completed painting.