Divergent Progress

I take a great deal of care with every aspect of my artwork. From priming (gesso) the pre-primed, Fredrix canvases. To the best quality stretchers, I can find. The highest quality and lightfast paint. Even the name of the piece. The names have real meaning, then I kind of abstract the name. Come up with different words that mean the same thing. I want the title to be compelling like the title of a book or movie that makes you want to find out what that means. With all of this rearranging, I often forget the original meaning. But that's fine. It was important at that time in my life.

I write this with a sense of humor. Divergent Progress implies my struggle with this piece. Another one of those pieces that was finished but I wanted to make a little better and it became a two-year long process. I take it as part of my growth as an artist (and a little of the insanity). I took it to an Archway Gallery critique. Describing the history, out loud, in front of real people, I realized how crazy it sounded. They gave me permission to call it complete.

This was April 2023.

A lot of work gets covered (especially with this piece). Getting there but a bit too "candy" looking.

I begin the painting with the canvas stretched flat so I can paint the edges without interruption. Then I re-stretch it on the 1.5 in. thick, canvas stretcher bars, and paint some more.

This is April 2025. In a group show with four other new Archway Gallery artists. This piece received a lot of attention. A great spot above the fine jewelry.

This was in the background of a picture I took with my phone. Very close to finished.