When I first started working on this “small version” of a quiver tree, I picked up a tiny painting knife I have, thinking the larger one would be too cumbersome for this scale. But, similar to when I use a small brush, I found myself being too fiddly and fussing.
I abandoned it for my normal painting knife and, to my surprise and delight, had no trouble using this for smaller-scale marks. The painting seemed to take no time at all, not just because there was less canvas to cover, but also because what I’d learned with the larger painting was fresh in my brain and hands, and I got seriously into The Zone and it just flowed.
The “small version” has become one of my favorites, been varnished and hung up. When I look at it, I’m reminded of all the quiver trees I’ve painted in the last few months, of my research trip, how by working at a subject again and again, trying to improve on each one, I’ve developed my painting skills, and my sense of achievement. It's even led to a commission!
