My goal for some compositions is to reduce or eliminate a distinction between “object” and “background.” In those compositions I try to give black, gray, and white near-equal precedence, so that one does not appear to be painted “over” the other.
Before working on the canvas, I sketch each composition – roughly at first, to develop the balance of forms and values that I want, and then in exact scale and value. Each painting is thoroughly planned. However, there is a “discovery” stage, when I study the finished painting in each of the four orientations afforded by the square canvas. I select the final orientation based on its psychological and interpretive impact.
I want to maximize the impact of each painting, but I don’t want to determine the nature of that impact. That’s why I’ve given each painting a simple numerical title. You’re welcome to develop your own, personal subtitle for each painting – I have!