Putting down some paint

I've officially started this new painting.  I've been working up the sketches for about a month now, and finally got to a point of diminishing returns.  So, it was time to pick a canvas and start the project in ernest.

I really like the way the sketches came out for this one, the actual subject has been in my head for the better part of the 2006 year, and I just decided to do something about it.  This is about my speed for full-on art projects like this.  The task of free flowing oils on canvas and organic interaction with brush and canvas are, to me at least, terrifying and invigorating at the same time.  I really get nervous when I decide to do a real art piece. 

I decided on a fairly large canvas (30 x 48) for this project for two reasons.  I already know where I'm going to hang it, and that is the size that will best match the space/lighting.  Second, I like working with these big canvases because it give the opportunity for some tiny details that are completely unnoticed until the tenth time the painting is examined.

As you can see from the image above, click to enlarge, what I've got so far is a background.  Yeah, it's red.  It took me some time to get the variations and the blends just the way I wanted them, but now I'm pretty happy.  I say pretty happy, because I'll probably still fiddle with it some more.  You can also pick out some of the underlying subject of the piece. 

I'll probably start on the dress over her legs next.  I can't decide between purple or green. . .

Tune in next time and see what I decide.