And thanks for the advice. I do think I was using too small of a brush - it wasn’t tiny but I think it could have been bigger. I think the second piece was more fun because the brush probably was more appropriate size. I’ll try that next time.

I looked at some of Elizabeth’s work online. It’s hard to see what’s going on with such small images but they do look more collage like than just painted. Thanks for the reference.

Structures #11 is stunning. Wow.

My unsolicited advice on building up large fields of color faster with paint–up the size of your brush. Though your brushstrokes don’t look particularly small I’ve often noticed that beginning painters almost instinctively reach for smaller brushes, when in fact it’s almost always better to go with a brush that’s much larger than seems comfortable at first.

Also, if you’re not already familiar with it, you might like Elizabeth Murray’s work. She’s a painter who cuts, crops and adds as she goes–very organic work that is certainly not limited by the size of a canvas.

Lori - yes - what a great analogy - I know how to make art but it sure was awkward doing it with a paintbrush and not scissors.

And I think I should have mentioned the crabs were found objects previously deceased so they didn’t mind hanging out so long.

But always seems like a worthwhile idea, if for no other reason than to be made less “automatic” and more conscious as one wrestles with new tools.

Thanks for the ever-thoughtful post, and the happy beach pics.
Loved those clingy crabs.

Martha