Watch My Abstract Painting "Crenulated" Progress Step-by-Step

"Crenulated," 24x30x2 oil on canvas

"Crenulated," was inspired by a 150ft long, multi-colored, centuries old stone wall I saw in southern France. It is painting that will be a part of my Window Within a Window series.

1.  Before I applied paint, I had textured my 24x30 canvas with gesso. I used a large palette knife, about 8 inches long and 1 inch wide, and applied 3 layers allowing each layer to dry.

2.  Since I knew that I needed some dark crevices in the old stones, I added dark colors with a palette knife first. The circular shapes were created by applying paint to bubble wrap and then pressed onto the canvas. I felt I needed some different textures in those areas. I call this the 'toddler period' as I have lots of questions spinning in my head because there are many artistic decisions yet to be made. This kind of problem solving revs my engine.

3.  At this stage I began toning down the darker values as well as the round shapes, but I am not sure I like them. The wood beam also has less contrast and I am wondering what I might paint above it.

4.  I finally decided upon the landscape to paint within the window. Because this wall was inspired by a visit to southern France, a castle scene seemed appropriate.

Note that I have begun to add stones above the wooden beam and I could not resist putting that one stone out on the tip.

5.  Those implied stone steps going down to the right, now lead to an old castle window. Why? Oh, for a little humor and to entice the viewer to ask more questions. From a composition stand point, the larger window needed something from which to balance it.

6.  Glazing various colors like stained glass, serve to develop the background. I like the other 'window' created witnin the beam and add clouds up above it. I also carry the blue sky colors behind and up. This creates more depth and mystery in the painting. At this point, a title for this painting is alluding me, so for now I am just referring to it as my "Castle" painting.

You may not be able to see it, but I had to moved the castle from being smack in the middle of the hill in the landscape.  I am gradating my colors at this stage. With various layers of paint, I made the bottom corners darker and then gradated lighter tones toward the larger window. The upper part of the painting has fewer layers.

7.  What questions does this painting generate for you? I love painting my window concept series because windows tend to ask questions. What does crenulated mean? To find out, click here.

What additional questions do you have about my process? Please send me a message/question or comment. I love receiving feedback and hearing your reactions.