23" x 47" Acrylic on Gesso Board
Another one for us - We've had this lovely frame in the attic and, since we needed to change out some paintings upstairs, why not do a "Couch Painting"?
How many times have we had instructors tell us to leave "Couch Art" to the department stores as it's considered "decorative" and not "fine" art? I've heard that a few times and always received that tip with a smile. Of course we want our paintings hung wherever the collector will most enjoy them - over the sofa or in the bathroom - who cares?
Anyway, that said - time to plan (or just start painting). I do NOT recommend starting a painting journey without a map - but that's pretty much just what I did! You know by now how much I enjoy painting walking paths - and mountains - and water - so with a piece of charcoal, I started up the path. Our neighbor has a lovely terraced area below her cabin and I was much influenced by that. Our own Balsam Shadows Road is always inspiration and parts of it have shown up before in my work.
I would under paint in acrylic and finish with oil. I had forgotten how enjoyable acrylic can be - and more and more the results were pleasing. No oil.
Soon it was clear the path and the river were going to fight each other for attention (what did I say about a map?) The goal was a serene scene and I really didn't want to plan a specific focal area. To solve the path/river dilemma, the path was developed for your eye to follow - it is blocked but then comes back in two more times leading you into the mountains. What fun it would have been to develop that river too! Stones or logs underwater, sparkling ripples and little waterfalls - how I fought the temptation!
Is it finished? Are they ever? But it's over the love seat and we are enjoying it!
