Process

From eager beginnings

collage, a couple layers of acrylic to begin to build the colours, and starting to add texture with heavy gel

An idea. Composition laid out, colours planned. I know what I want from this painting. The mood I am trying to evoke, what I want it to say. This is where I am all enthusiasm. Creativity pulsing, paint flowing! 

Fearless! 

Inspired.

To the jumping off point

More heavy gel texture, and acrylic glazes

Glorious texture and colour that is deep and rich. I really like what I have so far, but it isn't finished, not even nearly so. It needs meat and purpose. The colours are still a little too "new" for me, lacking in sophistication. This is the hardest part for me. How to proceed without wrecking what I have so far? To add without subtracting? I struggle. The process slows to a crawl. I have to push myself to keep going. I have to jump off the precipice, put aside my fear, experiment, take chances, be willing to sacrifice what is for what is to come. There are missteps, dissatisfaction, near panic ("Oh no, I've rooned it!!"). But I push through. I keep working.

To the breakthrough

more paint, transfers, heavy gel, charcoal, ink and tonnes of BSW (blood, sweat & tears)

I start to hear a voice singing from the canvas. I can't stop looking at it. I prop it up where I can see it even when I am not working on it. I am excited again. It's not quite finished yet, but very, very nearly. I consider it in different lights, from different angles. I look at it with curiosity. It has become its own entity, not mine to wrestle into submission anymore -it is itself. Now I just have to look and listen, paying careful attention, to learn what it needs for completion.