Making Marks::The Evolution of a Painting

I've been asked on numerous occasions to share my process so here it is.  The tools I tend to gravitate to over and over again are a couple of water spray bottles, a few different sized flat brushes and a size 8 round, a foam brush, container lids in several sizes (ie. dish soap, ketchup, milk jug), different sized brayers, rags, stencils, palette knife, my palette, professional quality acrylics, spray paint, paint pens and my hands.  My colour palette is a rainbow of colours, though I prefer Liquitex heavy body acrylics. 

There are several things I tend to keep in mind as I work:

1.  Keep warm (red, yellow, orange & pink) and cool (blue, green & purple) colours separate (allow each to dry in between) so that the colours don't become muddy or grey; think of contrast (this is one reason I like to work on several canvases at once...currently there are 5 large pieces and 11 smalls in progress in my studio);
2.  Focus on lights versus darks for contrast;
3.   Repeat patterns and colours; 
4.   Pay attention to complimentary colours - red & green; yellow & purple; blue & orange - so the colours will really pop;
5.  Carry the patterns and colours around the edges of the canvas;
6.  Because I like working large, filling up the canvas quickly with colour is a great way to stop myself from becoming stuck on details and for overcoming the fear of a blank canvas.
7.  Finally, the titles tend to come to me through the things I read or the conversations I have...I find that because I paint what I love, the words come naturally/organically since these things permeate my life.

If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.