"Peace" in progress

16" x 19"
oil on canvas panel

I started this yesterday and at this point it is without color, painted only in burnt umber, later I'm going to layer in the color. I've been reading a book called Alla Prima: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Direct Painting by Al Gury and it talks about this process. I used to only paint in black and white then add some color. So I thought I would try this process and so far I'm really liking the results - I'm not even sure I want color.

I'm hoping to use this painting as a submission in a portrait competition. For some reason this painting reminds me of the beginning of a poem by Sara Teasdale. Here is the whole poem:

Peace flows into me
As the tide to the pool by the shore;
It is mine forevermore,
It ebbs not back like the sea.

I am the pool of blue
That worships the vivid sky;
My hopes were heaven-high,
They are all fulfilled in you.

I am the pool of gold
When sunset burns and dies —
You are my deepening skies,
Give me your stars to hold.