Woman at a Window

In this little composition I'm playing with a simple harmony of blues that complement the warmth of the woman's skin and her red lips.

I'd originally thought to make her dress a deep ultramarine, but decided instead to go with a much lighter blue. That allowed the shape of her dark hair to become an important and distinct element ... becoming a counterpoint and balance to the shape of the curtain.

Decisions like that are not the result of much premeditated thought ... they just seem to come along as one paints and they feel right. Realizing how or why it works only comes after the fact. An odd process.

Woman at a Window

7" x 4"     oil on linen     2012
Private Collection, Massachusetts