Do I like my own Art?
Lately, I’ve had the rare gift of time to paint. I stepped away from working and teaching for a year to explore what I truly enjoy creating. I’ve come to believe that discovering a subject is the most difficult—and most essential—part of the creative process. Free from the need to please others, I now sit in my studio with the freedom to follow my own instincts and curiosities. Three months in, this is what has emerged. I have a hard time focusing on one medium. I enjoy both acrylic and oil painting and the outcome from each is so different, and beautiful in their own way. Therefore, this process will take me twice as long.
“A Self Portrait”. Acrylic and Wax on canvas
The first month I dedicated my time to acrylic painting. The fast drying time and ability to layer easily causes my style to become more abstract. I tend to focus on geometric shapes and apply techniques to edges that pulls me away from reality. I totally enjoy the process. It reminds me of doodling in high school. The paintbrush moves without any thought of representation.
“House on Water” Acrylic and Wax on Canvas
The past two months have been dedicated to oil painting. First thing that I notice is that clean up is so much easier. No mucky water to dump! No worry about clogged drains (even though I no longer dump water in drain, I pour it over paper towel in my studio garbage can and throw it away). My tendency with oil paining is blurred edges, and more organic shapes. This technique produces a more realistic image. Also the drying time is so much longer that I have difficulty with any spontaneous layering. I also enjoy the process very much.
“Cottage Road” Oil on Canvas
I am not sure where I will go from here, time will tell I suppose. There is something that I have noticed through the process. While decorating my new house, I am having a hard time deciding which type of paintings that I want to hang on my walls. What will blend nicely with the color of my walls and also be something that I want to look at on a daily basis. My walls are painted white to allow for colorful artwork. Now, I am not sure if I want colorful artwork or minimal colors. I enjoy painting with color, does it not match my taste for decorating? Every finished painting is propped up against the wall for a while to see how it fits. I have not been able to commit to one yet. I am leaning toward a more realistic oil painting on my white walls. Good thing I have the time to figure it all out!
