Abstract Painting - Final Stage

"He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, his head and his heart is an artist."
- Saint Francis of Assisi

Abstract 0911, 34" x 48", oil on panel, 2011.

Following up on the previous post on this subject, this is the abstract painting in its final stage. Finishing touches still remain. And even though I refer to it as the final stage, the stage is unique because it may take some time just sitting there against the wall in my studio. It may be that, as I've removed my focus from it, the painting will live with me for days or weeks and let me know whether it is done or needs some more work. Sometimes a painting will reveal its needs in a week which may lead to an overhaul; other times a week is enough time to understand that there is nothing else I can do to add to it. There is never a specific formula, and each artwork is different in this regard.

I will keep you updated on what happens with this one...

Abstract Painting - More Progress in the Studio

This photo shows the middle stage of a painting on wood panel I am currently working on in my studio. It is a continuation of my first blog post on this painting.

After completing several layers of glazing over the underpainting, the palette was expanded, and thicker opaque layers of paint were added by blending, scraping, and scratching, while allowing certain areas of the previous layers to show through. It is planned that additional thicker layers will be added, but that can only be done once the latest layers dry to a certain point. The number of additional layers remains uncertain, but they will continue to be added until the painting "declares" that it is complete and nothing more can add to it.

For those who saw the blog post showing the beginning stages, you will notice that the painting is now at a horizontal rather than the vertical it was at before. This happens from time to time during the creative process and is part of the intrigue with abstract painting. The "top" of the painting may not be established until just before the work is completed. And again, the mission is to create a work of art that can stand alone in the end, holding the attention of the viewer by a striking presence and by ambiguities and prompting questions.

You can click on the image for an expanded view. To see all blog posts and other doodles, click HERE. Thank you for following the works in progress, and the paintings, sculpture, drawing, doodles, and other art by Los Angeles artist Lucas Aardvark.