A love of materials and staying in the moment are my guides as I follow a painting from the first quick stroke through the next move. My job is to respond to the marks as they come into view. Eventually, a state of resolution emerges from the struggle. Contrasts become a theme: light/dark, motion/stillness, chaos/calm. I continue to draw and paint ... and in the best work I am suddenly surprised by the images which appear before me.
Yes! Let me follow a first quick stroke through the next move. Let me respond to the marks as they come into view.
I entered my studio a few days ago with those thoughts in mind. I did make a first quick stroke, I followed it through the next move, I responded to marks as they came into view.
But those marks? those responses? I was surprised by the images which appear[ed] before me, that's for sure, but not necessarily with pleasure!
I didn't stop to center myself before starting, and I didn't stop to center myself—or stop altogether for that matter—when I knew full well I was scattered and had a head filled with noisy chatter.
And so, I offer you this little experiment.
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| Snake in the Grass 4x5.5", charcoal, acrylic, and oil pastel on watercolor paper nature 2016 [gifted] |
2 comments:
Very sweet. I like the sky too, and the colors on the hill. Chalky, rough and wonderful!
Thanks, Sheila. Liked your referring to the chalky rough quality.
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