Happiness Project, 48" X 48" Oil on museum wrapped canvas
Happiness Project, 48″ X 48″ Oil on museum wrapped canvas

Less is more~Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

 “Happiness project” was a new adventure for me, painting a much larger painting than usual, (48” X 48”) and also have the under-painting be entirely bright red.  For some reason the red under-painting made the canvas feel larger. Trying to have control in this unfamiliar setting was even more difficult. 

I am definitely not a minimalist in a classic way, but when painting I like to use my teacher’s guideline, “when it says what it is there is no need to say more”.

Leaving bits and pieces of the red underpainting created a glow, especially when a transparent hue was used. When taking a photograph,  the reflection of the red under-painting vibrated, that is why I took a video of the detail to give you a better view of the color and value.

I was concerned about painting the red out.  I found myself asking the question “When is the painting finished?” That one extra stroke can put it over the edge.

When do you think the painting is finished?  Have you ever gone to far?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq89E-TSZ-s[/youtube]

*ART20K footage completed 9380 square inches.

*Painting “Happiness Project” measures 48″ X 48″, oil on museum wrapped canvas, price $5760.

*All art from Janet Vanderhoof’s Fine Art Gallery, maybe seen in Janet’s studio at Morgan Hill, CA.   You may purchase through contacting my email jvander51@msn.com or phone (408) 460-7237.  Thank you!