Inside Out: January 2010

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Conversation Peace in progress

By the time I figured out the composition for my painting, Conversation Peace, I had managed to build it up into this huge undertaking in my mind...a dangerous place for ones head to be prior to stepping up to the easel. In order to lighten the mood and keep my fears at bay, I came up with an idea to keep things moving forward. I decided to quickly photograph my progress at fifteen minute intervals with the hope that it would keep me from getting bogged down with details and over thinking each stroke of the brush. I had no plans at the time to share these photos, so I wasn't concerned with the quality (something I now regret given the change of light in my studio as the afternoon wore on). I did email the photos to an artist friend of mine once I had completed the painting, however, and she encouraged me to post the progression for others who may be interested. So, here are a few shots from along the way...

I began by selecting a piece of my paste paper. Since each sheet (previously created) is different, I spent some time choosing a piece that seems to have the right flow of pattern and colors to serve as a base for the painting. This is important, since I never know ahead of time just how much, or, how little an impact the surface may have on the final piece. Once I made my selection, I quickly blocked in the composition with a few lines. Then I jumped in and began!