Above you see 10 8” x 8” blank panels prepared for painting.
These last couple of weeks, I’ve been researching and reading about various art movements, techniques and styles. I’ve been filling myself up with inspiration and ideas for where I want to go from here.
The oil painting technique I’ve been using dates back to 14th century early Netherland painters such as Van Eck and Vermeer, then on to Rembrandt and his crew. It is a very effective way to get glowing light and beautiful surfaces. So far, it remains the way I love to paint.
However, I’m opening myself up to experimentation, looking for revelation. I’ve been reading about art as beauty (product), art as expression (process), and art as meditation (practice). What is my intention for my work?
Today, I’m giving myself the challenge to paint the above 10 panels in 10 days. Starting tomorrow.
What I need for this is
1) uninterrupted time
2) a work space
3) an openness to experiment, to let whatever wants to come through do so
All of this I have for the next 10 days though I’ll have to be vigilant about my time. I’m literally craving time alone with my work. After filling myself up, the desire to empty it all out.
My practice will be
1) being present to what I want to express
2) being mindful of each moment, listening for what wants to be expressed
3) trusting myself
4) honoring it all without judgment
This is a pretty big challenge for me. I much prefer to know where I’m going before I begin. Plus, that’s a lot of painting in 10 days.
But I feel up for it and actually excited about it.