Abstract painting by Alison C. Dibble, in oil paint with cold wax medium on panel, 8 x 10 inches.

I created layers directly on the panel with the intention that these would peek through only here and there. Then I layered paint and cold wax medium, responding intuitively to the design as it developed in my hands. I also made my own template by cutting away ovals from a sheet of plastic, and used it to apply the silvery blue-green color over other layers. My impetus was to emphasize the rich blue color, but to do that I needed a foil, hence the burnt sienna and blackish shapes. Toward the end, it seemed to need a little fire. I added bright red and orange but sparingly. I wanted there to be something that the viewer could find and take delight in, but it wouldn’t be something they would see right away. Art is a matter of discovery for the artist and also for the beholder. Please note: painting is not framed.