Evolution of a big, big painting

Farmer's Field, L. Daniel, 36" x 60"

Above, close up shots for detail of brushwork and color. 

A couple of weeks ago, I told you I was working on a larger version of one of my plein air pieces from the Adirondacks (click here to see small piece). Well, I finally finished! This is the largest fine art painting I have ever done (prior to this, 30" x 40" was my largest.) The canvas has been in my studio for years but I could never work my way up to it. Why now?? I did it for my biggest fan, my husband, who has a giant wall in his new office space. He has been asking me for his own, NEW painting for quite some time (he always gets the leftovers, sadly), so this one's for him!!! :)  

The following process shots are for all you painter types out there who might find it interesting to see how the painting came together. I had to change my approach a bit since there was so much area to cover. Click images to enlarge.

1 - I began by lightly sketching of my composition onto the canvas with a blue pastel pencil;

followed by Line and Mass Block-in using French Ultramarine & Burnt Sienna.

2 - Focusing on the center section first, I worked outward adding color.

I prefer working with paint while wet (alla prima), so it helped to 

work one area at a time... kind of like the fresco painters of old.

3 - Since the darks dry fastest, I painted into all the dark edges while they were still wet.

This was a good stopping point after a day of painting. 

4 - Next, I added the sky and ground plane.  

This was another stopping point (I actually thought I was finished here, 

but, the ground seemed too orange and the sky needed more action, so...)

5 - Back at the easel, I muted the ground plane and began to add more clouds (in process here)... 

6 - FINAL PAINTING - I finished the clouds (softened) and 

further broke up the tree masses (still fairly subtle but more obvious in real life).

Once I get the painting up in my husband's office, I will try to get a good picture of it. It's always fun to see a painting "in situ". Now, did I mention I have two more huge canvases in my studio just waiting?? :)