Lazy Days

This is a relatively small painting: 10"x12" on a cotton canvas. There are advantages and disadvantages to cotton canvases. The main advantages is that a dry-ish brush used against the cotton grain leaves only a residue on the tiny protrusions of the canvas and whiteness in between, creating a lighter look in contrast to the thick heavy paint that can be slapped on to cover the cotton grain and give a different texture. 

I've utilised this second method of application in this painting. It's not a typical painting of mine, but the style seems to suit the nature of the muse. She is utterly relaxed, sinking, slumping into the comfort of her bed. Once again, it is an intimate peek into her existence, a quite unique image, I think. I am usually a bit sharper with my details, but a painting only wants, only needs what it needs, and once it's been achieved - why add more? 

Sometimes extra detail crystalizes the emotion of the painting with greater precision - sometimes it robs the painting of the passionate effect that a less complete stage of the painting had emitted. The trick is to trust yourself - once you have it, leave it or risk losing it.