In Progress. 2 ‘Edinburgh Snow. (Arthur’s Seat from Regent Road)’. 24×16″. Rose Strang 2018

In progress, 1 ‘Edinburgh Snow (Arthur’s Seat from Regent Road)’. 24×16″. Rose Strang 2018

Two photos showing progress on my painting of Edinburgh in the snow last month. The view is looking South, of Salisbury Crags on Arthur’s Seat from Regent Road, also showing the shape of the Royal Mile.

I began with a piece of reclaimed wood from the local timber merchant, painted it in a thin coat of black, then covered it in a thick layer of white gesso. Before it dried I scraped a rough pattern of the crags and buildings and left it to dry overnight. (image on right)

This morning I gave it a nice hot shower in the bath to soften the gesso, then scraped through gesso and black paint to reveal the wood beneath (painting at top of post). I like the effect  of textured wood showing through, also the rhythms or shapes of the painting,  so I’m not quite sure where to take this next without messing that up!

I’m painting two on similar size boards (24×16 inches – 2 feet along longest side) and I’ll submit them for the annual RSA Open (Royal Scottish Academy) by May this year.