Creative Crush

Nothing takes away my creative energy faster than a knock at the front door. Well, let's say that today has been three knocks. First our electrician showed up - an hour before I'd expected him. He hung a chandelier and then put in a new receptacle in our library. The dogs love him but the running in circles and barks of good cheer don't give me any peace. While said electrician was here two contractors knocked at the back kitchen door - they wanted in to the basement to install a new work sink. More barking and dogs running from second floor to kitchen. Within an hour of the second group's arrival, our "gutter guy" showed up to install a new rain barrel and attach it to a downspout, so there was even more barking.  SO when the basement guys make any noise, say drilling into the sewer pipes or hammering and electrician man takes down his ladder or gutter guy uses a saw to take down part of the downspouts, well there aren't enough carrots or rawhide bones to keep the "girls" quiet. It's now nearly 1:30 and I just walked into my studio to "perform" art  but wanted to check email, facebook and to share this tidbit with you. Enjoy your day!

At Ease

I truly am more at ease when I am face to face with a large canvas. 16x20 or greater in size gets my creative juices going! The three mini paintings I've been working on are fine. They are still a challenge and I don't enjoy painting them as much as I do the larger works. I'm now working on a lovely pear that's 20"high and 16" across - it's more me! I can honestly say that I'm happy just from picking up my palette knives and laying on tons of paint. It's fun! I'm happy and the painting seems joyful! What do you think? 

Being Productive

There aren't ever enough hours to accomplish everything I hope to accomplish in each day.  I make breakfast each morning then clean up the kitchen. Take out the dogs and then go for my walk. I  then head up to my studio, which I am so thankful for the separate space to paint, my private space, my sanctuary.  First let me say that I have committed my life to making my family healthier and better prepared for longevity. People live longer but not always healthier, so by taking away a few nasties from our daily diets and timing what we eat I think we'll have a better chance at a quality old age. Yes, I have a birthday coming soon, but that's for another day. So - this morning when I fixed our usual fruit for breakfast, I realized I'd left some of the breakfast in my studio. I'm working on small paintings and today is paint the still life pear day. I'd taken the subject up yesterday to prepare for today's painting.  So the pear is started but not completed. Small paintings take me so much longer than colossal ones - why is that? Beats me. However, I did finish another 4x5 inches piece today. Spanish Moss is so amazing - sponging off the host like a family member visiting for their vacation, hanging around but idol and seemingly without an occupation. 

Painting Small

I've accepted the challenge of painting three works for a miniatures show at The Charles H Taylor Arts Center in Hampton.  Today I started a mini - 4" x 5" small. My fingers are cramped and my neck feels like a large glass of shiraz is not going to be enough to get the tension out! I think eye strain has set in from squinting, as my eyelids are on fire. My latest completed painting was 3 feet long by 2 feet tall - now that is a space I can work with - room to move - standing painting.  Palette knife in each had - hips moving to a salsa CD in my studio. The mini had to be held, as I sat on a chair, grunting.  I'm off now for that glass of wine - or two.  Bye for now.

Welcome

I don't promise to write volumes in the future but wish to share my thoughts about my art process with anyone that is interested.  Feel free to check in and share your experiences. 
Barbara