Adding Texture

I scraped texture onto the mountains with a palatte knife. it’s rugged and interesting. I’ve never used such large movements and I’m surprised that it all happens so quickly.  I make a decision on how to approach it and the experience takes over. When I work small, I’m very meticulous and careful.  Each brushstroke is an issue, when I paint on this large canvas, though, I just zoom along without worrying too much. It’s much more free and boundless and I am not worried so much about the idea of making mistakes.  Of course that can also be because this is the first painting that I’ve done just to please myself, without trying to work on a technique, or worry about how real something looks. I rather like the fantasy aspect that is evolving. At this stage it makes me think of a landscape from a fantasy novel.  It satisfies that part of myself that wishes for magical realms.

The trees are deeply textured with thick paint and the use of a fan brush. I was surprised and pleased with how interesting they became.

I’ve brightened up the aurora,  I’m not sure I’m pleased with the result. The lake remains a mystery, so I’ve left it taped off. I don’t know what will be seen there, I’ve thought of a lady in the lake image, or knotwork.  But I also can see it as a reflection of the aurora, especially the spiral, which is one of the most common Goddess symbols in the Celtic tradition.