I used to paint with tiny brushes and my face close to the painting, then I started painting tablecloths and banners and found that a large brush and a large canvas is such fun! First, you have to use your whole body when the canvas is large, using whole arm and shoulder movements (and everything else if the studio music gets a little wild). Second, in order to see what is happening on the canvas you have to step away from it so I walk a lot. The drawback is the possibility-or perhaps I should say probability-of stepping into a paint pot or onto the palette which in my case is a dinner plate. It was nice to go to the deck where I could hose things off if the paint got away from me.
Here is the first step: a three-foot pear shape on a four-foot square canvas.
A pear shape!
Then a leaf and highlights.
I took the canvas out on the deck so I had more room to add the golden halo around the perimeter. Notice the dinner plate is on the table instead of on the floor. I still got paint on my feet.
The hardest part was adding the text. You wouldn’t believe how many times I changed font size and I tried a variety of methods to get those letters on the canvas. I eventually used a squeeze bottle with a nib which has a tiny hole. I tried a paintbrush with ghastly results. Here is part of the process:
I finished it today. I enjoyed the process tremendously and being able to paint out on the deck was marvelous. Next is a three-foot square of grapes. Maybe I should just start out on the deck…
Creating in Alaska 
Suzie, what a neat painting! I love how you lettered the fruit of the Spirit ( Galatians 5:22-23) around the pear. The lettering turned out wonderful!
Yes, Suzie, start on the deck!
This is N-I-C-E!!!! I love it!!!
Perfect – and just beautiful. I love the lettering as well as the pear. I always ‘work small’ so this is a revelation.
The lettering is a great touch! Go girl 🙂
Thank you, Peggy! I had more trouble with the word “Patience” than any other-go figure!
Rachel, I shall! Someday, we shall combine our art.
Thank you, Susan. Now find yourself a great big brush…:)
Ann! Thank you! I was over at your blog and saw such beautiful images. Oh, your work is great to look at for long periods of time. Lovely!
Thank you, Pam! This is so much different than a sketchbook, but so much fun to really sling the paint about. Well, until I got to the letters. Then I had to slow down.
I can picture these in a huge kitchen or a lovely European restaurant! They are lovely Suzie!
Oh, thank you, Nancy. You are such an encouragement to me.
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