48x24 | Oil on Panel

Week 44

We denied ourselves the use of black-and-white, relying heavily on Nickel, Viridian, and Vandyke brown. It was a test that made me think of myself starting this journey almost a year ago - how different I was. Its one of those thankful and reverent moments that you see the struggle as a whole and realize how much it has impacted you and how worthwhile. 

This one is all about technique.  We were able to get 3 "layers" in the background by using oil rich colors which allowed the primed panel to show through, creating our first and second layers. On top of that, highlights and small strokes of detail were applied to give the dense forest foliage it's depth. 

Sometimes we are so focused on the work we don't get to enjoy what the other is doing until we're 75 % completed and looking for the final places we can work on. I stopped dead in my tracks the moment when I looked up to see what Laert was doing: it look like Sabka's hand had painted a portion of the fabric. Like his exact strokes! How is this possible? He would have loved this piece. We seem to find his hand and hear his voice more, not less. The more we are challenged by time, content, size or palette, I see both of us changing, finding the way together. It's a rare gift for which I'm so thankful.