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September 01, 2009
The Process
It had not crossed my mind until just recently to take photos of some of my work in progress. Someone asked me if I do this, after we both heard another artist speak to a group about documenting the progress of his work. I don’t know why I hadn’t thought to do this before, but it did seem like a good idea. Someone may be interested in seeing this. I kind of liked seeing this, myself.
I was not good at stopping the process of painting to take another photo at each turning point or change, but there is a steady stream from my recent work, with two stages – more like “before and after” photos. I think this is enough to convey what some of the creative process entails, even if it’s just a sketch on the board before any paint is applied.
As I ready for this new exhibition, I thought I would place a few of these progression photos on my blog. I can only say that with most of these new paintings, I always start with a sketched idea on paper before I re-establish a new sketch on the board itself. I work on the sketch for nearly a day – sometimes longer, trying to sum up all areas of that blank surface with what I intend to paint. This can change, of course, but usually after giving enough thought to this stage, it glides fairly well.
This is a two-person show, with my partner in crime - Tom Irven, who is a fine wood sculptor, to say the least. His beautiful shapes and finishes almost always allow the natural wood grain to come through any stain he applies. This so intrigued me, that I wanted to do a similar thing with some of my work, as I always paint on wood. I did a few paintings that give the wood a chance to show its’ warm-grained face, interacting with the subject matter that I paint onto the surface. It really felt good to do this.
The show, Transforming Spirit, opens Saturday, September 5th at Archway Gallery, 2305 Dunlavy, Houston, Texas. It will be on display till October 1st, 2009.
Posted by kay at September 1, 2009 12:11 AM