Double-size Painting in Progress

So I wanted to do a double-size piece for my Dance of Life series, that could be a kind of keystone piece when I show all of the works together. Most of my pieces in this series are 20"x30", and this piece will be 30" wide by 40" tall. This is one of the largest pieces I have attempted, especially with this level of detail. I have surprised myself by really liking this larger size. Only drawbacks are that it is taking me awhile to complete, and I'd like to get through a number of new pieces for this series this year. That being said, I can see myself doing more pieces in this size in the future.

I already have the initial drawing for another 20"x30" piece (of tropical flowers) and the initial pictures for another 11"x14" piece (of spring flowers--will be similar to my 'Ode to Winter' piece). I also have a few ideas for paintings including myself that want to be painted, but they'll have to wait in the queue for these other pieces to be completed. I know I talk to some artists that have trouble coming up with ideas. I have so many ideas they're coming out of my ears! I often have to tell my inner muse to be patient with my limited physical self, which can only spend so many hours in front of a canvas without my arm falling off. Ok, so enough prelim...here's my progress so far:

This is where it all starts. Choices, choices...and tracing things out on transparent vellum.

Man, this thing is going to be huge. It hardly fits on my table.

Settled on the final placements and sizes of the plants.

Starting the base layer of paint on two of the plants. Doing more than one layer really helps me build some complexity and depth into the final piece; it's part of why my final paintings look so rich. As with anything, making something beautiful takes time.

My progress so far. I'm really liking how the red cala lilies look. Stay tuned for more!