My work usually consists of layers on top of layers of paint and marks as I search for what it is I want to say. Sometimes I have an idea or inspiration that I would like to apply to my work and then as I start painting it might get abandoned. The key for me is to surrender and not fight the direction the painting is taking. It’s easier said than done. I do often get lost in self doubt as my inner critic tears apart whatever it is I have painted so far.
I like to photograph my work as it progresses. When the painting is complete, it’s interesting to me to look at the progression photos. Looking back gives my an opportunity to evaluate what areas I should have kept and what moves I could have avoided. It’s all part of the learning.
I recently painted this piece called The Blue of Sea and Meadow. It’s 30x40” on cradled wood panel. I think this painting has particularly interesting history, it started very different from where it is now and went through a pretty ugly middle stage.
The photos are listed in order of progression.
Starting. Just playing. Loose, bold, carefree.
Still in the play stage
Fell in love at this stage but pushed myself to continue.
Fell out of love completely. The voice in my head started it’s criticizing routine. It take time and patience to learn how to hear it but not listen to it. I’m not there yet.
At this stage I was trying to cover up the red. Too much of it.
The very ugly stage starts here.
Because I didn’t like any part of it at this stage, it was easier to make risky moves. Nothing to loose. I decided to add a diamond pattern.
Looks a bit like a tablecloth pattern my aunt had on her kitchen table when I was little. I still didn’t like any of this. But wanted to pursue the idea of diamond shapes.
None of this was to my liking. I figured anything I do at this stage will be an improvement.
Started covering up some of the diamond design with blue and white. Started liking where this is going. Decided to try to achieve a nice balance of geometry and loose marks.
Finished painting. I like how small bits of previous layers can still be seen in some places.