Downtown Kensington with its old train station has a view that continues to keep me fascinated. Each day I cross the tracks and think about the shapes and wonder about the different possibilities I have yet to explore. The scope of the view includes both the train station and Mitzels' lumber yard. The best part about the view is looking towards the lumber yard. It faces directly west, the sunset. I have painted this place so many times. It is one of my "painting homes" of which I will return for as long as I live here. This homing pigeon behavior inspires me to play and not paint "it." The concerns with making that real disappeared years ago. Now I seek a more abstracted, emotional response.
My next goal is to have at least 5 LARGE (at least 4x4') pieces for my next show. I have learned that for me, painting big requires a different type of color understanding. I feel better when I "practice" the possible color glazes and later move on to a larger format satiated with this exploration knowledge. It frees me.
This painting is 6"x6" oil on board. Numerous plein air pastels have preceded it. This idea will grow to be another 4 foot square painting. In order for this to happen with some degree of success I know I need to paint through my intuition. My plans simply inform me of the direction. I know that as I move on I must give up some measure of control and be willing to pursue unanticipated directions. Plan, but wait for the painting to speak to me. Each day I enter the studio I see on the door,
"An artist must come to trust if he or she wishes to transform, rather than merely record, what he or she witnesses."
(Mary Sipp Green)
Doesn't that just say it all?
