the process of art
Paint. Sketching. Brushes. Cleaning brushes. Design, layering and color.
Done daily and over the span of years, the process becomes natural, peaceful in repetition and essential to being. The pouring out of soul through any means because I MUST express myself. Where does the drive to create come from? I think its part of all of us, whether we are artists in the "traditional" sense or not. For me, expression comes through painting and decorating.
My guest room is also my art studio. The Cottage is at least 100-years-old, so with that comes quirky doorways, funny slanting windows and ancient oak floors. It also means I have three windows and three doorways in my art studio alone! AHH design challenge accepted. Half the room is lined with two twin beds placed end to end (forming my "day bed" "sofa"), and the other part, the cozy corner by the living room door, is my creative center.
My studio corner in October (and my living room decked to the NINES for Halloween with piles of laundry in the kitchen. Just ya know keepin it classy up here on the blog! There is probably a toodle buried in those towels somewhere).
The "day bed" filled with my grandmother's quilts, pillows and did I say pillows? I don't think there are enough pillows.
Working on #piecedproject art
I work rapidly, and almost feverishly at times, so I have multiple nails on the wall where I hang new canvases to paint on plus my easel. Sundays are my day to prep canvases: since its not unusual for me to complete multiple projects in one week, I have to have many ready to go at a time. My prep consists of painting everything burnt sienna, this golden pulsing brown, which gives a warm under glow to art. Yesterday I knocked out 14, so now I have all these prepared beauties waiting to be filled. It's an inviting joy that never gets old! And it really speeds up time to have canvases prepped in advance.
My process for abstract art is somewhat different than it would be for realism. With realism you have many sketches, ideas, drawings of models in advance: you work to the best composition and study your subject thoroughly so you have a definite road map for the work. With abstract art all you need is a brush and some paint and that's it. It's so liberating because there are no rules, no form you are trying to sculpt, no likeness to achieve. It's color and beauty and inspiration alone. And that, my friends, is fun! True fun like the fun we would have as kids. I guess that's why I enjoy abstract art so much: after years of realism its playfulness is liberating.
I have a new series in the works! My Truth Series: the focus is small, 12"x12" squares, and each will be themed with a new idea I'm thinking about. Follow my instagram to see them hot off the easel! They will get up in my store as they are completed as well.
Truth Series No. 1, "Each Brave Step"
But what does Toby the Toodle do all day when I paint? WELL. Toby the Toodle Face hangs out with me 24/7, and considers himself the "Studio Muse." He sits curled up on the day bed and keeps me company, looks for kitties out the window and barks at poor unsuspecting neighbors who dare to walk down the street. He will of course get down and demand Treatzies (lacerating my legs off with his claws!), or to go Outsy. I oblige of course! That face is too hard to resist!
Toodle Face Lee on the day bed
Mid-kitty search!
Ok, gotta go paint some stuff. I should have a Holiday Home Tour up here soon, so be sure to check back soon.