Abstract Landscape Painting

Haliburton Morning – 24 x 30 – acrylic on wood

Here come the trees in the foreground. More colour is sneaking in than I thought an early misty morning would require. Oranges, blues, purples,  and greens set against the deep reds and browns of the trunks; this one is full of surprises. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Haliburton Morning – 24 x 30 – acrylic on wood

I’m finally ready to post the start of my next painting.   Haliburton Morning came from an excursion to that area of Ontario on a dreamy fall morning. We watched the sun rise over the hills already starting to lose their bright fall colours. The mist hung over the warm water, obscuring the far shore and painting everything pearl.

Solitaire – 20 x 20 – Acrylic on Panel – Reserved for Mayberry

Done! The white flower basks on the dark leaves; the sunlight traces paths along the petals. Colour spills from the centre, reaching out to influence the rest of the flower. Way too much fun – I will have to do some more florals soon. (Maybe right after I do a painting for a local show entry and a commission.)

Solitaire – 20 x 20 – Acrylic on Panel – Reserved for Mayberry

There. The petals are complete and are awaiting the defining background. I like the movement in this flower, everything is flowing and sinuous; the light and shadow are weaving in and out, playing an elaborate game of hide ‘n’ seek with the colour. The flower itself is nestled into the background  – or will be shortly.

Solitaire – 20 x 20 – Acrylic on Panel – Reserved for Mayberry

Some more of the background is in, defining the edges of the petals and echoing the shapes of the leaves in the darker ochres and greens and blues. I love the way these colours are emerging – a little surprised at the pinks and oranges in the petals, but they seem quite a part of it now.

Solitaire – 20 x 20 – Acrylic on Panel – Reserved for Mayberry

Working more on the petals in this session. Introducing some unexpected colours – its the center of the flower asserting itself I think.  Not content to be the center of the painting, sneaky little fingers of colour brushing the pristine white of the petals…

Solitaire – 20 x 20 – Acrylic on Panel – Reserved for Mayberry

I really wanted to see how the background works against the flower petals. I’m interested here in the fine line between the contrast between the darks and lights and the similarities in the shapes. Oh and I also wanted to pull some of the darker colours into the petals too. Too much fun!

Solitaire – 20 x 20 – Acrylic on Panel – Reserved for Mayberry

Starting in on some of the petals now… For a white flower, there’s not a lot of white paint on the panel. I especially like the way the afternoon light hits the petals and the way the center of the flower spills out into the petals a bit.

Solitaire – 20 x 20 – Acrylic on Panel – Reserved for Mayberry

It’s time for a flower I think! I was captivated by the sun on the petals of this delicate white flower. The centre explodes outward and will splash colour on the white petals to come…

Incandescence – 18 x 24 inches – acrylic on wood panel – reserved for Mayberry

Here’s the final painting.  Very angular and abrupt – the only curves are in the trunks of the glowing trees. It is very reminiscent of the forest on that afternoon, the colours were striking and the area felt closed and intimidating.