Homeward Bound

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

Let Your glory be over all the earth.

Psalm 57

This is the latest painting that I completed. It's been mostly done for a few weeks. I joined a critique group earlier this month and picked up a couple tips to improve the composition. After taking time to consider the ideas, I tweaked the painting a bit, added varnish coats and now it is ready to be installed in a black frame similar to the black border I added to the digital image you see here. The acrylic painting is on an 18" x 24" canvas panel.

The painting started out with a completely different idea in mind. I painted a mottled blue violet background on which I printed white gesso with plastic canvas circles. To soften the circles, I applied filmy layers of gesso with cheese cloth. At this point my original concept was abandoned. I started to see clouds and my inspiration took off. I imaged traveling through the universe to heaven. That's why I named the painting Homeward Bound.

What else have I been up to? I exhibited jewelry and paintings in Marshalltown and Nevada earlier this month. It's a lot of work, but the reward is meeting people who appreciate art. Next week I will start painting a mural that has been in the planning stage for the past several weeks. I have been working out the composition and color scheme. Check back for an update on the project.