my painting process

Sometimes people ask me about my painting process; if I sketch, how much I plan, how long it takes (very hard to estimate!) etc. So I thought I could share part of my process, how I started working on three paintings in February.  My main "problem" is always that I tend to be a little bit too skilful. Therefore I try different approaches to make painting harder, less comfortable, in order to concentrate on my first passionate outburst. This time I decided I shouldn't mount the paper at first and that I should work on three different paintings on the same paper ... so I would have to walk around on it.

Here the paper is still very wet and I take my first pause to have a look at what I've achieved. I never sketch beforehand, but I've normally decided on a certain colour scheme and of course what expression I'm after. (Notice my dirty footsteps on the paper)

Taking a closer look and adding some lines.

The colours start fading when the painting dries... Then I cut the paper into smaller pieces and mounted the papers on boards in order to continue. This part of the process involves a lot of looking and thinking - and might take some time.

I've had major difficulties finishing this painting. At a certain point it gave me the the finger (literally), but I think I've finally figured out how I'll get it to work. I'll give it a try next week - if it doesn't work then it could be one of those painting that need like half a year. Or one that will never become good enough (I think it has some potential though)

In some days I'll post photos of paintings I've finished lately (two of these).