Using a paint brush to create a painting has almost always my tool of choice . Every once in a while i use a palette knife to add in a few features like highlighting texture. A few weeks ago, though, my oil painting teacher suggested that we (the class) paint a scene from start to finish with a knife. Painting with a knife requires using a lot more paint than with a brush; and the resulting product is much thicker and, at least potentially, more texture-rich. It also requires learning new skills to manage and control the strokes.
the painting i’m attaching to this post is the result of that experiment. The reason it’s been sitting around for several weeks is that i was very ambivalent about presenting it in its fairly rough form. I really wanted to refine the flowers in the front of the painting; give them more detail. Also would have enjoyed adding detail, such as small rocks, pebbles, to the front part of the path. However, in order to pull that off i would have had to use a brush, and i did want to be able to present this work as a 100% knife effort —- just because. (!)
LJ and NJ 
I love this painting.
I can’t imagine how it’s all done with a knife (I know it is not a kitchen knife)
Much love to you and Norma.
Rosanne
Sent from my iPhone
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As I mentioned previously, this is one of your best. The picture doesn’t do it justice I’m sure, but the knife painting technique suits you. Getting away from too much focus on details isn’t a bad thing, especially for expansive landscapes like this one. Beautiful!
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thank you!
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Dear Judy,
I thought your painting was terrific. It’s hard to imagine doing it with just a palette knife. I like it better than the reference photo. Thanks for sending.
Much love to you and Norma
Rosanne
Sent from my iPhone
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P.S. I just saw that I already sent this comment. Let’s say it shows that I really liked that painting and not that my mind is fading.
Love
Rosanne
Sent from my iPhone
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