day two

Today, I put a lot more lead white paint in the flesh areas, allowing the thick, opaque paint to create light on the canvas. Beside this heavy paint is very thin washes of turped paint in the background. The heavy paint reflects light, and the thin coat of paint absorbs it- this contrast creates depth. But when I put all of that heavy paint down, I lose the form bit.  The reason why I will allow such a buildup of paint, is because I want the painting to be as dynamic as possible.  Bright lights, dark shadows- the wider the range, the more octaves on the piano, the more dynamic the tune.  This is especially important in this painting, where the light is as much the story as the object.