I have been focusing on my sketchbook these past weeks. I am taking a break from producing paintings (with the exception of the domes plein air event). My studio time has been spent drawing, writing, and idea building. Basically I have been taking a break from product and have been centering on process. This seems appropriate right now as I have a large body of work that is completed. I have been showing this work regularly and taking time to enjoy this aspect of creation. The attached images are of a few recent sketchbook drawings.
Adventures at the Domes Art Festival
I spent this last weekend at the Mitchell Park Domes painting for the plein air competition held in conjunction with an art festival. I hammered out 2 paintings, one of which was sold at their auction. Friday was interesting. I set up near the lagoon- a little ways behind the festival grounds. The sky was clear and the reflections of the water were intriguing. There was a group of guys on the other side of the lagoon that were drinking, partying, and hitting golf balls. A little obnoxious but I guess they had a right to be there. They came over to retrieve some golf balls that had landed rather close to me. The asked why they weren’t in the painting.
Saturday I stayed a little closer to the festival and found a quiet location among the trees. The lagoon was in the far background, but I focused on a tree that was particularly interesting because of how the light was hitting it. This painting went much quicker then the one the day before. I got out there just after a line of thunderstorms has passed. The sky cleared as I was painting.
Image: This is “Lagoon” done on the first day (Friday). 14″ x 11″
Even Smaller Works
I have been focusing on these even smaller oil paintings (compared to my already small average size of 7″ x 9″). They are on paper, I quarter it off to about 4″ x 5″ sections. The size and limitations of working with a knife force a necessary subtlety at this size that I find very refreshing. The focus of palette becomes more clear. Also, by working on paper, I am free from the hesitations of working with a refined, prepared panel. If I fail it is easy to part with. All these reasons, and I needed a mental break from the paintings I was doing. I couldn’t be happier with the most recent few, but a forced break or period of reflection seems necessary. It is easy for me to get absorbed in my work and forget to step away from it. Changing the pace and method for a while reminds me to focus on process and know that product will come naturally.