Part of how I begin a painting
The woods is a place I am mostly drawn to. I have a need sometimes to bring some parts of it back to the studio and include as part of my painting. Here is how I begin the painting. Lots of thought goes into the composition before I start. I try out various compositions in my sketchbook and then place the pieces of pine needles where I feel they should be for the image I have in my head. The image is not a solid one but more from my visual memory of different pieces mixed together, for brief example, of the landscape, woods or other parts I have been. I recall what stands out and inspires me most at the time. Sometimes that can be a mix of mood, atmosphere, colours, my personal connection to the surroundings or other smaller details of a place..
Images and video below are all taken on my phone while out on my hikes.
Derval Freeman 