Edited 11-12-20 There is a reason for the EDIT button. So we can improve.

This image, a detail of a large painting on canvas that is currently hanging in my studio.  It has an open feeling that I am trying to retain while adding more structure, the delicate balance that is painting. Well, that plan went with the Dodo. The painting is huge and I do feel that if one is going to make big paintings You better say something. It’s still hanging in the studio and luckily it’s a huge studio. It is done, I feel…haven’t touched it in over a year and there are paintings in front of it. It may get tweaked before coming down but it is not my priority at the moment. so…

What began as an abstract exploration, with plans of keeping the color weights medium and soft for a neutral effect, soon changed. While applying corals and cool green blues a fully formed large Koi head appeared,  instead of rubbing it out, I engaged. It seemed fresh, just vague enough with underwater movement, I could not have planned it better. In the past there have been similar instances when imagery seemed to appear and because it was not my 'plan' I would rub it out. Sometimes to my regret. So this time the Koi lives with the painting evolving around it. Allowing me to use elements in nature that I love, without reference material, just me. My POV is from above, shadowy branches and leaves shape the left side and top. This detail, the beginnings of a rock wall is the lower portion of the painting. The self imposed break from the painting allows me to think about the story and approach it fresh. This painting that was not planned, but must now be carefully planned. The pleasure and pain.