Here's a glimpse of my latest painting, inspired by a photo captured during a hike at Mississippi Palisades Park in Savanna, IL. Upon reviewing the photo, I felt compelled to introduce mountains into the background to enhance visual interest. Drawing inspiration from the work of my favorite photographer,
Thomas Mangelsen, I embarked on my first venture into mountain landscapes, also experimenting with a palette knife for the first time, a departure from my usual brush technique.
Initially, wielding the palette knife felt awkward, given my familiarity with brushes. As I navigated the interplay of knife and paint, realizing my envisioned image proved challenging. Over the years, this painting underwent numerous transformations. There were moments where I contemplated starting anew, yet I persisted, layering paint upon paint.
At times, I found satisfaction in its evolution, only to later mar it with additional textures that detracted from its essence. For nearly a decade, the canvas languished in a corner, until I resolved to reinvigorate it with fresh strokes.
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| Photograph by Diana Van Baale at Mississippi Palisades Park |
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| Photograph by Thomas Mangelsen |
