So the last couple of pieces have been back to the old tried and true of frit painting but with a twist.  In the first piece (Winter Blues), I fused the background and then flipped the image over to create much greater depth and distance in the background.  In the second (Autumn Shadows), it worked with the background side up.  You can see how much greater the depth is when I work on the reverse image but it does require an additional firing (total of 3 firings) since you have to rebuild the background layer a second time.  I think it was worth it though, agree?

So I am finally attempting to use palette knife work the way it was intended to be used--as impressionistic work.  I have been working up to larger scale pieces and feel like this presents a small milestone in my progression.  It really feels artistically satisfying doing this kind of work.  I hope to do much more and continue to develop an impressionistic style along the way.