The Aftermath
Do you ever awake from sleep having just come out of a dream? Where the images touch lightly in your memory, but are elusive? You have a sense of them, and you lie quietly hoping they will solidify and make themselves clear to you. That is how I am feeling today, only sleep is not involved, (though I wouldn't be opposed to that.)
I am beginning the thinking and dreaming stage for a commissioned painting. A few concrete images, with soft edges are coming to me...a few colors, too. I have a sense of the overall theme and have learned to be patient about these first stages of a painting. But when I have a limited number of days to create something, it is hard to be patient. The best place for me to "see" a painting is in a horizontal position, with my eyes closed. I know, I know. Yes, it is hard to stay awake some days. But it is akin to daydreaming and it makes total sense if you think about it. Going to a quiet place and space, closing my eyes to all outside stimuli, gives me a chance to visualize. I keep it fairly loose and open, so that images might come to mind. Certain colors that make me feel what I am trying to say with the painting float to the surface. I see it in my mind, I make changes, I seek direction. I would say I have about 1/3 of the idea in mind when I get to the studio. The painting may turn out completely different from what I visualized, but I have a sense of direction. I have a sense of the color scheme. I know what I want to say.
Today's photo shares the state of my studio. Yikes, is right! I am going to clean and organize this mess, as I continue to dream of this commissioned work. Tomorrow the painting begins!
I am beginning the thinking and dreaming stage for a commissioned painting. A few concrete images, with soft edges are coming to me...a few colors, too. I have a sense of the overall theme and have learned to be patient about these first stages of a painting. But when I have a limited number of days to create something, it is hard to be patient. The best place for me to "see" a painting is in a horizontal position, with my eyes closed. I know, I know. Yes, it is hard to stay awake some days. But it is akin to daydreaming and it makes total sense if you think about it. Going to a quiet place and space, closing my eyes to all outside stimuli, gives me a chance to visualize. I keep it fairly loose and open, so that images might come to mind. Certain colors that make me feel what I am trying to say with the painting float to the surface. I see it in my mind, I make changes, I seek direction. I would say I have about 1/3 of the idea in mind when I get to the studio. The painting may turn out completely different from what I visualized, but I have a sense of direction. I have a sense of the color scheme. I know what I want to say.
Today's photo shares the state of my studio. Yikes, is right! I am going to clean and organize this mess, as I continue to dream of this commissioned work. Tomorrow the painting begins!