This painting is a commission piece measuring 38"x24."
The panel is textured with a heavy modeling gel, then glazed with a mix of cream and gold.
I start lightly blocking in the tree. This form was inspired by traditional bonsai trees and their expressive movements.
Trying to find a balance within the arch.
Happy with the basic form, I begin to add the color.
The basic tree is formed. Now I will paint it over and over with varying layers of reds, pushing in the shadows and popping out the volume.
Richening up the color and forming the leaves.
Now it is starting to take shape. Also adding form to the trunk of the tree, while keeping most of the underpainting showing.
The basic leaf forms are established, but they felt too sharp. I decided to fill them out a bit more and also mix in some of the gold into the red for some extra shimmer.
A close up of the tree form coming together.
The start of the little coquí frog on the wine glass, personal symbolism for the client. You can really see the texture on the panel in this shot.
The tree now has fuller leaves. You can also see the large glitter sequins I applied to catch the light.
Blocked in the bird form, but changed it to be a bit bigger and more left on the canvas.
Starting to block in the grass. I wanted to keep it light, not in color, but in texture. I did this by letting some of the underpainting show through.
The coquí is now nestled in the grass, but he is keeping an eye on the Coo Coo in the sky.
And the Coo Coo is watching back. Wonder what they are thinking?
The finished piece with added clouds. The clouds are a pale mat blue, which contrasts nicely against the glossy golden hues. This was a fun commission to create!