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Going for the magic every hour
August 15, 2008
Great moments in painting - the addictive kind – are when you completely lose yourself in the work and time is non-existent. I’ve had a good week with this one, partly because of struggles overcoming the habit of trying to control the outcome. Things happen in every painting that are not planned, and the endless choices are part of the fun.
At this phase some solid strokes need softening again; finding a balance between the two. The lighting is the biggest challenge so far, plus making a subtle transition in style from top to bottom and foreground to back that will bring our attention back to the top half of the painting. Now, how do I go about doing that I wondered, I only have a hunch. After adding mid-tones a couple of days ago there were second thoughts about 
doing so, because the whole painting became dull and flat, entirely not what I wanted it to be. Briefly discouraged, I thought this painting would join the I-don’t-know-what to-do-next pile. When unsure I look for answers in the very basics, like concentrating on what I do know for sure, rather than what I don’t.
I do know for sure want the glow of magic, so yesterday took a leap into the darkness with pure colors straight from the tube. There’s a huge sense of freedom trying something out – and ironically the more afraid you are the better it is. It’s the intermittent periods of doubt that spur determination to conquer issues and at the same time entice you to quit!
Painting is considered to be a two dimensional undertaking, but it’s so much more. While lost in the work process we explore all the dimensions of the subject plus the deeper dimensions of ourselves. While painting we discover our convictions and the means to ask how far are we willing to go to stand up for them. Work every day is about continually reevaluating decisions, taking responsibility for choices made, being honest about mistakes, shortcomings and limitations of media and self, and digging deep to find technical and intuitive solutions. It’s about control of all those elements combined with easing up on trying to control too much. All this and more translates onto a flat surface as we hope to give the illusion of depth…if that isn’t magic I don’t know what is!
Links to the progress of this painting on this blog: Started July 17, 2008, progress and specific information about this totem pole in the July 24th post.
Post-dated Note: When choosing this totem pole that is erected in Thunderbird Park at the RBC Museum in Victoria I didn’t realize that it’s the same one that Emily Carr painted in 1928. More magic! Here is a link to more information about this totem, the Gitxsan Pole moved from Gitanyow (formerly Kitwankool) B.C. Also on the July 24th post
Categories: Art for sale, B.C., Canada, The Majesty of Trees Collection, acrylic painting, history/multicultural theme, travel, trees | 6 Comments »
6 Responses to “Going for the magic every hour”
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August 10th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
You have great way of explaining your thinking through the process of the painting. It’s fun to read and I can certainly relate to what you are saying. Things happened that aren’t planned in the painting, and then it’s… choices,choices,choices.
Chris
August 11th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Thanks Chris, I always appreciate hearing what you have to say. Descriptions take days to edit, and are much more difficult than the process itself! I think there’s a time for deciphering work though – we can’t truly get lost in the work if we’re thinking too much about it -again with the balancing act! So true about choices at every turn. No two paintings are alike, and frustrating as that can sometimes be, who would have it any other way?
August 13th, 2008 at 4:38 am
It’s Magic alright
August 13th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Thanks Dad. It still needs a little something I think. Before adding or subtracting anything from it, progress has slowed to a study stage this week. Meanwhile I also started a new painting.
August 16th, 2008 at 12:56 am
Whew! this is really a powerful piece!
August 16th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Thanks Virginia!