In the life of a Painter

I use a painting knife, also known as, a palette knife to apply paint in thick layers on a "start" when I paint in the field.  This piece started with a lite drawing in paint on the panel, then I started using the knife to portray the granite in Yosemite Valley.  It's interesting how this technique mimics rocks.  Using the knife insures that I don't "noodle" a painting to death.  It's so easy to just start using a small brush with lots of small details.  But it does not work for me.  I like large simple shapes left by the knife.  Perhaps some detail as time goes on, but I'm all about the BIG PICTURE.  

There is less control with knives but the strokes allow a simple, straight-forward approach to painting.  I'm wanting to simplify my work and I have to challenge myself all the time to "keep it simple."  Most painters I know are similarly challenged.  We talk about this a lot when we have artist get-togethers!  

https://www.pennyotwell.com/collections/153128

This link will take you to my online sale of older works.  I put this up last week and I've sold a lot of work!  I get more storage space and folks who want "an Otwell" usually can get one.  It's simple.  The descriptions tell about the piece, the framing (or no framing) and you pay through PayPal and I ship it to you.  I insure them and pack them carefully.  If you have any questions, you may contact me at [email protected]

Have a good week.  Be safe out there,

Penny