This painting started out as a drawing 18 by 24 inches. The space and form relationships problems, such as, not repeating the same size and shape of the same form anywhere in the drawing. Or, making sure shadows are appropriate to form and position. Once all this is worked out on the 18 by 24 inch drawing and I can see what I am after and I am satisfied with the composition, I do it again on a 30 by 40 inch canvas. It never ceases to amaze me that just the change in size creates a whole new set of problems. Most of those problems revolve around the need to apply more definition to the forms in the larger rendition. But sometimes it requires a total rework of an area because it draws to much attention away from the eye movement pattern I want or it just looks like it does not belong there. What looks good smaller just does not cut it in a larger presentation. Once shapes and forms within the context of use of negative spaces contrasting and supporting the positive spaces are manipulated into pleasant, descriptive and visual synergy creating that view a person wants to look at for awhile the drawing stage is finished. The painting of colors, infusion of the feeling of directionality and depth manifested by pallet knives is a real challenge. Some forms demand texture while others demand ultra smooth powerful strokes. Same thing with the use of different brushes. Trees and bushes required soft and powerful brush strokes while the road required a smooth pallet knife repetitive stroke application. Some of the canyon walls required horizontal knife edge strokes to display drama. Some required vertical knife strokes to show height. Some areas required small smooth brush strokes to introduce subtle shadows. The sky required bold under painting pallet knife strikes and soft brush fill ins to emphasize the power of movement to create the appearance of an approaching storm. Pallet knife over strikes of white were required to highlight clouds in order to enhance the feeling of depth in the sky. The proper combinations produce a product that is both wild abandon and easy sophistication at the same time. The final product is something you just want to enjoy looking at for a period of time. This is the process I pursue for landscapes. This is a view of Angel Bright Trail at the Grand Canyon.