Model in Mexico

This piece was begun in the Independent Painters Session several weeks ago, during which time I finished it in two 3 hour sessions, working on it for two consecutive weeks.  At that point I felt that although it was a good likeness to the model, it had no spark to it, partly because the color and syle inherent in the dress the subject wore offered nothing special to paint. And, of course, she was seated in a gray studio, with no props to inform the arists at work. Now that I am several weeks beyond that day, I have had a chance to rehink it with new possibiliies. I did like the dark angle behind her across the canvas. Now I found many elements to add to the piece that suggested a Mexican heritage to me, for the character I was developing, the one who seemed to dictate everything else that happened in the painting over the past few days and evenings. I seem to paint best at night, when I find I can escape into my own imaginary world, and play with ideas. As usual, I am loving the feeling of painting with acrylics. It seems to be where I am at this time.

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