Windows of Story Island

Windows on Story Island, acrylic on canvas, 36×36

This painting began as a series of 8 rectangles each containing an image inspired by visits to Monhegan Island, Maine. The colors were quite intense and rich–see below.

Original look at the painting process 36×36, acrylic on canvas, Story Island. Large photo above is final image.

I made individual paintings based on a few of the squares but was still not entirely happy with the overall large painting–too much going on, not enough integration, too many ideas. So simplification became the mantra for a revision.

As time goes by and I learn and incorporate new aspects of artmaking into my work I discover things that will help improve or change some of my earlier works. this is a good example of this process.

I began by eliminating areas of the painting that I was no longer happy with–whether it be color, shapes, subject. And then began thinking of the concept of ‘windows’ looking at several views at once which was the original concept for this painting. There I found my answer to simplify the concept and quiet to overall tonality into a more thought-provoking piece. It might not suit everyone who sees it, but as I look through the windows, it now suits me just fine.

Lesson learned: I own the images I create and have the right to modify as I wish. Just because it is on my website, has been at a gallery, has been seen by others, has been loved by others–I feel good about continuing my art journey, modifying my travel plans as I go along.