I wonder why I do this?

Gold Marsh (working) 30x40 acrylic on canvas

So, I get all ready to do something really abstract. I have a sketch I'm working from, something small I did a couple of years ago that I like, and now I'm going to go BIG (well, fairly big for me). And as I'm painting along, in the art zone, I'm putting in more and more stuff, and the image becomes more and more representational, less abstract. I'm mystified as to why I felt I needed to add detail. Now the painting is sort of half-and-half. I like balancing, normally, but I had planned to do something different. At this point I feel like I'm dealing with a split personality. The painting wants one thing, and I want another! I don't dislike this painting. (It's not signed, because it isn't done.) It's just that I was sure there was another painting in me wanting to get out and this one jumped the line somehow. Or else I'm simply afraid to permit myself to do abstract work, and that fear worked its way right into my art zone - yowie, I hope not!

Here's the sketch. I love the sketch. 9x12 acrylic on paper.

New Winter Work

Winter Sunrise, 16x20" acrylic on canvas

Ghost Structure/Upper Champlain, 28x10" mixed media on panel

I love winter. Although I must admit it's been a few years since my cross-country skis have seen any appreciable action, I simply love the season for its stark beauty and its introspective atmosphere. And the colors! Subtle they may be compared to a summer garden, but so nuanced. So, lately I've been quite inspired to paint, and here's what's going on.

Ghost Structure/High Street West Paris Maine, mixed media on plywood