Work In Progress: Siena
I have a photo I took in Siena Italy in 2011 that for me, was one of a few that summed up Tuscany. The maze of narrow streets, tall buildings on either side blocking out the light until it opens up in front of you, the sunlight splashing streets and walls. 
I love the photo, but never attempted a painting of it. I've thought about it here and there, but was a little intimidated. With recent forways into oils and realism, I started thinking more about tackling this piece, but it also got me thinking about an abstract of the scene. Realism is more about catching all the nuances whereas abstract (if done right) could capture the feeling of the medieval city. Being able to capture the towering buildings, contrast of dark and light, this could turn out to be a nice piece.
I haven't done much with the acrylics lately, so I decided this would be a great way to jump back in. This is a 18" x 24" canvas, so getting back to a bit smaller piece for me. I still have a couple more 48" x 60" canvases and thinking about another version that is a bit more bold in contrasting colors and composition.
Second Session notes) This morning I started painting before doing anything else - even coffee. It was just time to paint. I started in on the walls in the foreground using ochre and black with no medium - just a light dip in water to thin paint as it dried. The acrylics require a different approach given its consistency and fast drying time. I really like the variation of color and textures when I'm working a brush over the drying paint. I can get the same look in oils, but it's a completely different approach and a lot longer period of time. I discovered the transition from realism back to abstract required a shift in my mind - to kind of get out of my own head and let the creativity flow. Otherwise I over-think and spend too much time planning instead of just painting. This session helped to remind me of that.
First Session notes) Just a few hours in, roughing in darker colors and some rough details to establish and maintain perspective. The original photo is pretty dark and this will follow that in due time. The overall direction of the piece is still evolving. I have discovered that my work in oils has shifted my style and approach - I'm finding that I need to be a little bit more thoughful on my process for acrylics to achieve desired effect.
In any case, I suspect I will have this completed in mid-March if not sooner. I will post on my portfolio as soon as it's done.