Monday, May 28, 2012

back to wolf kahn and intention


These two plein air paintings were painted at the same site with different intentions, one today the other was done on Saturday.
 In each one I set an intention- not exact, but an articulated idea. I did a notan for each and a few written notes on the page.
The painting at the top was about the softness of the grasses near the pond. The sky needed to lean into (through use of color) the pond so that the pond was more special.
The painting below was designed to be in 4 bands of color. Working on harmonious vibrations between bands. I know that next time I will reduce it to 3 bands...4 was too much.

 I had Wolf Kahn in my mind, in particular an old story I once heard him tell. I have been reading my old sketchbooks. I found the page with my notes that recorded Wolf Kahn's wisdom. He's a wonderful man who seems to get his points understood through story.

This is my favorite Wolf-ism.

"Aiming is wrong. If you know ahead of time what you are doing it won't be good. You need to surprise yourself. "
He went on to share a story about a pitcher from the Astros baseball team who had bought a painting of his. "We got to talking and he had questions about my painting process. He said it was just like his process. He said that he trains, but can't plan his game ahead of time. He can't aim too much or the batter will know what he is going to do. He just has to have a general idea about where he wants the ball to go. Then he uses his full strength and lets go."

All the pitcher/artist's training and practice pays off, but he/she lets go. Trust.

Hear that painters- train and go.

6 comments:

Donna T said...

It's interesting to see your different interpretations of the same scene. Both are really nice! There can never be enough Wolf-isms. This one kind of surprised me: I thought we were supposed to "see" our finished painting before we started (not that it ever works for me!)

loriann signori said...

You are right Donna. You should be able to see your painting before you start. The hard part is the next...when you allow the painting to guide you...when it takes over. Intention is very important. That said, art making is constant discovery.I guess that is where the confusion can lie. Paint on my friend!

Darrell Baschak said...

Lovely paintings Loriann! I would love to study with Wolf Kahn some day soon as I quite admire his philosophy. Do you know of any upcoming sessions he might be teaching at?

loriann signori said...

Thanks Darrell! As for Wolf Kahn workshops I know of none. The only way I found out about his visit and workshop here was through word of mouth. Sorry, that's the best i can do.

Sara Mathewson said...

i love the work here and love to hear your Wolf Kahn stories. i love his work and have read a couple of his book but they are in need of another read:) I have learned a lot from you just seeing your work and hearing your own stories. I love how you simplify the landscape and keep the essentials in. Love how you use color. i am always excited to get a post from you in my email to see what you are up to.

loriann signori said...

Thank you Sara! You made my day!