The creative process includes many changes

 Here are the major changes I juggled around for weeks. The top two images here are what I thought I wanted and working from my sketches, I can see they too have alterations. My original sketches show a fish above the branches rather than the straight tube.

 The cut out of the Heron on the back has stayed relatively the same. The only change as you might be able to see below are the hand etched grasses near the bottom.















I just took these images to show the differences from the original piece. The center silver bead moves between the two small posts. I'm making the chain and including black onyx beads for accent. I believe the new design is simple enough to allow this type of chain. I had planned to use a commercial chain which would run though the tube (above), however with the design changes, I once more find myself creating my own chain.

I'm happy with the results. What do you think?

Remenicing with Acrylics!

 Well, I do love these paintings but my renewed interest in oils have been great. As soon as I get back to my home painting studio I will be painting larger with oils.

Comparisons

 Well, I took the below piece apart and redesigned it...I'm still not finished. Since I did away with the tube at the top and replaced it with a gentle curve of an 8 gauge round wire, I plan to solder posts from each end and place a beautiful faceted onyx bead to hang a hand made chain intertwined with more faceted beads both silver and onyx.

 I do think the simplicity of the new design allows the whole piece to work together.

I know some of you liked the "branches" however I think as some others suggested- the branches distracted from the stone. In any case this is what I've decided to do and once I've added the chain and cleaned the piece up I will add the final picture, so stay tuned in and please comment because I do consider and love your ideas and thoughts. Thanks.

OILS

 Still plugging away at my oil connection. I thought I'd try the figure since that's where my beginnings are. Not quite sure how I feel about them so far. I think I'm getting too trapped by detail once more. Part of my issue is that I'm not able to stay with the act of painting long enough to deal with ongoing elements because of my commitments at the moment. I think once I'm finished with these two paintings that I will return to "fruit and flower" subjects until I return to my home studio where I can work with less interruptions and more concentration.  As always, please send your comments because I really do value your thoughts. Thanks.