ponder Painting

At this time of year there is nothing more I love than to see the frogs return to my pond. I have used a bit of artistic license as the water lilies have not yet surfaced. I have been making quick small collages to use as a template/starting point. I use print outs of paintings and random images to create the paper for the collages. I then copy the collages in paint onto canvas or canvas board, but much bigger than the collage. I like to see how the collage transfers into a painting, the flatness and the juxtaposition of colors and pattern. With collage as my starting point I can move the pieces to get the right composition with a strong design element. By quickly selecting papers and cutting I use colors an shapes that I may never have thought of using. This brings a lively, vibrant energy to the work and a depth of color and texture. I try and paint onto canvas exactly the way it appears in the collage, it is exciting to see the design flat with no edges and shadows and patterns magnified. Working this way means the paintings retain the spontaneous, abstract element of the collage.