Exploring Abstract Painting
July 30, 2020Challenge Accepted Portraits
August 11, 2020Have you ever had an urge to paint over works that you have had in storage? I have! So many paintings I have stored are demonstration works, many portraits, to show people how a painting develops from beginning to end. It is a fascinating process for non artists to watch as well as artists who are learning to paint. I have been an instructor for decades and have a huge body of work. Some of them just feel so stagnant sitting and gathering dust in storage. These works are mostly straight forward paint on canvas without any exploratory elements. It is almost as if I am looking for that quintessential pat on the back for being a good illustrator, saving them to show off. Well, the time has come for me to use these as base painting for wonderful abstract exploration. During this time of isolation, I have been able to explore new ways of working rather than supplying my gallery with works for sale. I have a large number of collectors that expect to see new work each year upon their return to Puerto Vallarta where I have my main gallery and studio. It has been such a freeing feeling. No engaging with clients, no keeping up with book work, making sure the gallery is manned. I wake up, walk the beach and head straight for the studio for what I call playing in the paint. It is scary, and exciting, exploratory and refreshing, no one to see something isn’t right. What a freeing feeling! I am adding a time-lapsed video of one of working over one of my student demonstration works. For me to watch the completed video after I have edited it, is like watching magic. It has been the greatest exercise I have started to do for quite a long time. Enjoy watching the magic happen!