This piece I have struggled with from the get go. Part of it was my choice of wood. Treated manufactured oak flooring offcut. I knew I had to sand it, which I did, to remove the top layer. However I still had issues with the oil paint wanting to soak in rather than sit on the surface. I think k I needed to have sanded it more thoroughly with a power tool sander, rather than a sanding block.

I also found the more earthy muted colours just blended I to the natural tones of the wood. I had to go brighter, darker colours with a thicker paste application. I mai ly used a pallet knife and as I layered the different colours, wiped and scraped the top layers back.

This painting was definitely one where I needed the layers to dry before applying and worming on the next colour.

I have struggled to feel what the paint is trying show me. It isn’t my favourite of the three paintings and if I could have not included it in the show I would gladly have left it at home.

Yet others like it. They like the textures and strong colours. It is included in the show. It may grow on me. Maybe I need to work out why I don’t like it? Is it a reflection of the inner turmoil I feel at the moment, not really knowing where I want my painting style to take me. Not being able to define the style, has me frustrated and maybe thats what I see here.