Pools of Lace No. 400

and they open —
pools of lace,
white and pink —
and all day the black ants climb over them,

Inspired by verse two of the poem “Peonies” by Mary Oliver.

This 6×6 inch painting is a part of my daily painting “alla prima” project. Translated from Italian alla prima means “at once” and refers to the method of painting in one application and without retouching. When painting this way you need to make sure you finish the painting you are working before the paint completely dries, no layering. Since I use acrylic paint it means I have to work very fast! I love striving toward this approach because it means every stroke must count and not be reworked later. To simplify the process I use a limited color palette of 6-7 colors and just two brushes for these small paintings.

This is an original 6×6 inch acrylic painting on a cradled birch plywood panel and is signed and numbered on the back. Painting is on a 3/4″ (2 cm) traditional panel which can be hung just as it is with it’s simple wood edge or it can also be framed for a more finished look.

Shipping: $10 U.S. and $20 for international orders.

Copyright: Heather Gilson Almeda