Letting go the procrastination, and endless plans made and unmet, I finally sank into the ease and joy of painting again.
Read Morefail
... but not a big fail ...
I've been playing around with layering with mixed media to bring out subtly from tightly packed detail drawing. Unfortunately, I went a little overboard with the layering this time, and completely lost a lot of detail I had laid out. Such a shame, it was so yummy!
Read MoreHills, valleys, horizons, and the edge of land that meets the sea. These forms come to fore the more I paint; images that remind me of the Scottish highlands (as a friend pointed out). Yet, there is more, and I'm not sure what. I'm curious to see how this unfolds.
Read MoreAs the lines build up, layered, developing this detailed ink technique... I worry; what will this become? I answer, "You already know what you are exploring, technically. Layer the ink, and work with the marks you make as you move along. Build and pay attention to what you create. As for the end result, the more you aim for what you think it is meant to be, the less it will be what it really is. You have learned this of yourself; it is the same with this process."
Read MoreAs I paint, no land was in mind. As my mind grows quiet, and marks more confident, I am surprised to find the terrain take form on this paper. I did not realize this until it was complete. As this skill expands, much to my delight, so does the view of myself.
I don't think this internal terrain will ever be mapped. I think it will remain, in many ways, unknown.
Read MoreMindfulness seems to be fast becoming a central aspect to this painting practice. In this, I remind myself not to invalidate anything I feel, and as I allow myself to fully feel, so do I allow myself to paint with confidence. Here I find the process of mindfulness and self-compassion makes for improved mark making, and far more enjoyable sessions! I pretty much never know where I'm heading with a painting, but that's ok. Uncertainty is ok.
Read MorePay attention to how you feel. What do you see?
What does it feel like?
A very happy new year to you!
(Yay!)
The holidays are over, and back into our regular flow we go. I'll be kicking off the year with a new project: 30 Paintings, 30 Days. Running concurrently with my jewellery practice, I simply want to satisfy my painting cravings, develop my skills, and nurture more useful approaches.