Another step closer. For anyone wondering what my problem is:
I have a vision or a feeling about how I "should" paint. I want to capture
the essence of things without copying them. I've been on a path to
learn how to paint from life and finally decided I'm committed to it, but I
have an abstract sensibility. And, even though I haven't come anywhere
close to mastering the skill of painting from life, I have nagging thoughts
that striving for it isn't IT for me. But what is? How to reconcile the conflict?
If anyone should have a clue as to what my inner vision is, it certainly should
be me. Except it isn't. All I do know is that what I see on my canvases hasn't
been IT. I questioned the "paint what you see" mantra and found it was
absolutely true thanks to Claire Christinel and her very articulate translation
of what it means. It uncoupled some chain in my head, made me realize
that adhering to what I "see" doesn't have to have any limitations. I had
cursed my literalness but it was only me propelling myself into one narrow
tunnel. I've found that I can look closely and observe and simultaneously
invent.
In the scheme of things, this little painting may be nothing but it was pure joy in
the making. Not sure if I can capture the same feeling tomorrow but now I
know it exists.
8 comments:
Ma chère Lorraine,
Souvent je me suis demandée comment aurait pu être la couleur du drapé de ma petite femme si je l'avais peint la veille ou le lendemain...
Je suis certaine que les couleurs seraient différentes selon mon humeur et ma sensibilité du moment, de la lumière et du lieu où je me trouve. Les aléas de la vie ont aussi une forte influence sur notre inconscient.
Je trouve très intéressant votre belle série "espresso". Il peut soit, démontrer qu'on peut aller en s'améliorant. Ce serait peut-être un des buts... Mais lorsque j'admire votre suite, je soupçonne une recherche de votre vision intérieure; plus comme un sentiment qu'une exactitude de la réalité...
Je ne sais pas si je réussis parfaitement à exprimer ce que je j'éprouve.
Cette dernière version est très forte... une colère rageante de vouloir réussir, arriver, une lutte sanglante à extérioriser... tel un combat de corrida...
Gros bisous
I am an abstract painter turned to representationalism and I understand some of what may drive you internally. (Maybe) Anyway, this little painting and the one day before yesterday really said all for me. Nice, nice brushwork and the emotion in the paint is palpable.
Looking good Lorraine! I always love your brushwork and paint handling. I particularly like the colours and strokes in Espresso 4. I can see that you are placing shapes of colour, which I love and which leads me to something I read that really jumped out at me as a means of working toward what I'm trying to achieve in paint. Maybe it could also help you by being conscious of the concept. Richard Schmid says "Don't try to paint THINGS, paint colour shapes". I realize that for myself, when I try to paint a thing, I get too detailed. In any case, I'm enjoying how you're sharing your search for your personal visual expression. We all search constantly if we want to grow, and you're definitely growing! Thanks for another plug!
I LOVE this - and you might check out Lisa Daria's blog, she also paints from life, with her own take on it. I hear you - and it's your 'voice' that's speaking inside your head!
Art should be pure joy, w/ just a few learning headaches.
I love your Expresso series, Lorraine! I've never painted abstractly, and I struggle with being a literalist in my paintings. I enjoy the looseness of your brushstrokes and the wonderful color choices you make. I'm glad you experienced joy in creating this painting! Keep going!
Your Espresso serie is terrific, Lorraine, and I would like to be able to paint as you!And it's true, Your style makes me think about Lisa Daria.
I love reading the comments in French.
Lately I've come to the realization that experiencing joy in the process of painting is far more important than any other consideration. Feeling that joy because of an alignment with solid principles, even better.
Actually, regarding Ovanes, he nails down the drawing right away. But that doesn't mean you have to.
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