December 12th, 2021 – a big triptych!

I was excited and anxious to go a bit larger with the idea of painting a continuous scene over three temporarily attached supports. I had planned to paint early morning but by the time I set up and started, the few interesting clouds had cleared and everything was, frankly, a bit dull. I had blocked in the main masses but decided to set the canvases aside for the greater part of the day.

I started again late in the afternoon, as the sun began to sink in the west and the light became supercharged and transformative.

The details give some idea of the need to paint rapidly and with complete conviction as the light was dropping quickly.

I think because I had worked so quickly, I was rather insecure on the day as to whether the paintings were truly finished. Mark predicted I would be happy in a week – he was right! And, if you are reading this today – Happy New Year!