Paths Less Traveled

I  started this painting as a limited palette challenge, using only turquoise, yellow, white and black.  I had been feeling sad and weary, had no idea what to paint, so started with a thick layer of turquoise and yellow troweled onto the board.  Then I layered some shapes, scratched through, made marks, sanded back, collaged...the colors reminded me of sunshine, sky, water, mountains and meadows.  I started seeing paths, trails, roads.  I realized I was making a map, connecting with childhood family camping trips, studying maps with my dad, finding solace away from televisions and busyness.  Happy to find images of a pair of vintage hikers and a compass to print, I added image transfers. This nostalgic piece is on a birchwood cradled panel, wired and ready to hang.