If you follow my Instagram account (@d.bennettfinearts) you will have seen my puddle shots. I find it interesting to play with the perspective by putting my phone upside down with the lens practically in the water. Haven’t dropped it yet! As with most of my photos, I intend to paint these.

I wasn’t so sure about the square Instagram format, so I used a normal sized canvas of 16 x 20. I had to modify the composition a bit to force it into the new format. I didn’t go back to the original photo because I really liked the edits I made in Instagram. I just redrew everything where I wanted it to go. Since, I have bought a square canvas to try another.

I didn’t want to obsess over details like I did with the last painting, but it’s hard not to. I started to outline some of the bricks, but quickly realized it wasn’t necessary and would ruin the painterly effect. One thing that helped is that half the canvas is moving water, so none of that has to be exact to the photo.

I didn’t start with a sketch or drawing. Just began painting. It’s so much more freeing and fun. Pushing paint is always better than pushing a pencil. I’m really happy with how it came out!