Seed pods nicked from a tree in front of my son's school last week. I was transported by their systematic yet wild beauty. Trans. Ported. I'm still not sure how I will approach the painting stylistically, but I have a few ideas I'd like play with. There seems to be a lot of room for experimenting with paint application and texture. First some sketches to get a feel for the pods, stems, tendrils, highlights, textures, and shadows. Then I will play with the paint. I wonder what will happen. I wonder if "god" will decide to show up in my paint the way he lives in the thing itself. I'm planning to work both from photographs and the real thing. The photos are mostly a reference point for the light patterns I'm aiming for and to keep a record of the pods in case my small son finds them on my shelf and decides to explore their inner nature. Nothing gold can stay; it's best to be prepared.
Follow-up note: I did paint this as a still-life and will try to post a photo of the painting soon. I treated this painting as an exercise in thinking about light. Very enjoyable process.
