A puzzling planet (reprise)

Based on an older painting called a puzzling planet done in 2010, I created this version with emphasis on the sun effect and simplifying the overall design. To begin, I applied a yellow circle around the sun, then painted additional circles with warm colours while wet, so the paint blended together smoothly. I use the same technique on location, for example in Intense Sunset over Lachine canal. As that dried, I worked up the blocks of colours and shrubbery in the foreground, outlined the character, and adjusted the sun effect with a thin ring of yellow ochre (PY43) to make it pop. Once the painting had a chance to dry, I took the plunge and over-painted the puzzle pieces. The puzzle was warped to the contours of the scenery, and seemed to emanate from the sun. Leaving the buildings, character and shrubbery free of puzzle pieces gave the scene a really surrealistic appearance. 

A puzzling planet (reprise), watercolour 8 x 10" cold press, December 2025