Dear readers,
Today I worked on two new paintings – painting the first layer.
And I worked further on one of the other big paintings. Only painting white over some of the parts. I was doubting about the composition, and something I did was this; I stuck a piece of white paper over one of the shapes that I was doubting about (the painting was very busy). Then I took a photo, I changed it in black/white format, and then I could compare the two compositions quite well (not distracted by the colours). You can still see the shapes underneath (I have to cover it up more with titanium white).
An interesting proces, but quite ‘brainy’. Of course there is always an intuitive part, that says: ‘that one’.
Bye!
Simone
I totally agree, the intuitive stages are energizing and uplifting. Certain kinds of finishing/tweaking are similarly energizing and uplifting when they are intuitive. And then some kinds of ‘brainy’ parts of the process feel stiff and draining and fussy. Today I covered a big canvas that I’ve been fiddling with off and on (mostly off) since July, got it all white again, with hints of the past few months as ghosts and textures. Feels good. I also tidied up my studio. That feels good, too. Now to start fresh!
Yes, I like the idea that I can always start over fresh by spreading out a bottle of titanium white over everything.
But at the same time the whole idea makes me a bit sad. Everything that is underneath gets lost!
It helps though to think of the whole painting thing as a process, and lose a bit of the product-orientedness. Not easy though, when I have to show work next week.
Thanks Dotty!
Yes, indeed. But I have to admit, that the intuitive stages give me more energy ;-)
Hi Simone, loved hearing about your ‘brainy’ process—great idea to photograph and compare your paintings in b/w format. Isn’t it funny how sometimes the brain takes the stage and other times intuition?
WOW! You’ve started two new paintings! Such happy colors and shapes and marks : )