I don't fish, but years ago I heard an artist refer to a painting he'd done as a "keeper". Another called a particularly good piece a "framer". In informal golf, another drive especially off the first tee after a poor shot, is a "mulligan". I do golf. I sometimes paint golf holes. So, when I'd had a painting that I didn't feel too successful I decided it was time for a painting mulligan!

          The original painting was large. I'd worked on it off and on for about ten years. I never could get it the way I wanted it. Time to be bold. I cut it, leaving the initial image as it was. It's very common for pastelists to do an under painting rather than starting with a plain white or solidly toned sub-straight. My first "mulligan" was going to be a 9" x 12" image for ease of framing. Leaving an inch margin on all sides I taped the first cut out section to my table and searched my photo files for reference material that might complement what was my under painting. This is different from how I normally work. I usually start with a plain surface, so the challenge was fun!

          The first painting came together quickly. As a benefit, I found that some of what I was going to paint over remained pretty much as it had been. My style tends to be realistic, particularly when I paint golf holes. This exercise allowed me to free up a bit, the finished products being more impressionistic.

          I cut out more sections over a few weeks and in the end did a total of six new, smaller pieces. Some are shown in my Portfolio here under the category "Small Works". Enjoy!