I’m continuing to explore the idea of 
massing shapes to begin a painting, 
as opposed to drawing or outlining the objects or subject. 
It’s a total departure from my usual approach
so it’s a bit daunting,
 yet I’m finding that it allows for more personal expression
 and less copying the subject.  
Here’s a quick “mass in” I did first
 from the image below.  
Here’s where it is after a few days of
 looking and changing and tweaking. 
I added the two figures with umbrellas from another image, 
deleted the ocean, roughed it up a bit, and cropped it.   
This is a great way to push yourself passed the impulse 
to make everything “perfect”.
A little awkwardness and a few unexpected elements add 
a more personal statement. 
(IMHO) 
NOTE:
The on-line Modern Painting class at Rockport Art Association is full. 
However, I’m going to be teaching a LIVE plein air version of it
 at North River Arts in June. 
Stay tuned. 
 
             
            