City Series…Setting up challenges for yourself

With each new painting I try to set up small challenges for myself.  In this piece, I created a connecting dark pattern as usual, but tried to keep it looser than I normally do.  I pushed myself to block out all unnecessary detail. And finally by limiting my palette, I was able to keep the dark pattern from falling apart. I think my next challenge will focus on keeping the luminosity of the sketch.

Fountain on the Common 6x6 oil

City Series…Boston Common

Dad's Weekend 6x6

Back on track

So, I tend to lose focus when I'm not working on a series of paintings. Working daily on similar scenes is a fantastic learning experience. One of my first painting teachers used to preach..."Get to know your subject!"…priceless advice.  Below is the first in a small series of city scenes.

"On Tour" 6x6