Finding Truth, Acrylics on Stretched Canvas, 30 x 30 inches
You may, or may not, have noticed that I’ve been AWOL for much of the past year. And, no, it wasn’t because I’d turned my back on painting – actually it’s been quite the opposite. Let me explain…
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Onwards & Upwards, Mixed Media, 30 x 30 inches, stretched canvas
Sometimes I just wish I could get to where I want to be… that promised land where I feel like I’ve ‘arrived’ as an artist. It’s easy to be persuaded that it’s just a painting away, another teacher away, another technique away. But the truth is that the creative journey isn’t some straight forward ascent to a final destination. It’s a series of steps, missteps, circles, cycles, disasters and successes. I can leave the studio feeling like I’ve cracked it one day, only to go back in the next morning and think, ‘What the hell?’.
They’re a funny thing, labels. We’re so precious about what we call ourselves, aren’t we… You can be a cook, but not a chef until you’ve had all the professional training. You can write something, but not be a ‘writer’ until you’ve published something. And, you can paint but not be an ‘artist’ until you sell something, or someone in authority says you are, or you make a living out of it…
I tell you this much for free… Videoing yourself making a painting arms you with insight about your process like nothing else!
There are many pitfalls along the creative path, let me tell you! If you’re susceptible to pleasing others, as I am, you’re particularly at risk of spending valuable hours, days and years making art that, consciously or unconsciously, aligns to the expectations of others.
I have to admit to something here and now. Right through my art study, I pretty much just focused on producing ‘finished’ paintings. I don’t know how many times my poor tutors would implore me to put in some actual practice, but would I listen? Ah, no.
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Colour (with apologies to US readers who spell colour sans the ‘u’) is something that, as painters we all love and, for many of us, it’s the driving force behind what we do. But, as glorious as colour is, it can also provide the most challenge, particularly for those just starting out.
Crikey… It’s been a while since I last posted! Such is life when you work full-time and have to fit in your painting practice in between that and everything else!
Phew! Where has the time gone? The lead up to Christmas was one almighty rush and straight afterwards it was all steam ahead for a family wedding. Before I knew it, it was time to go back to work!
