WANDERING THE PRECIPICE
24" × 24" (61cm × 61cm), acrylics, modeling paste, collage on canvas
I’D LIKE TO THINK OF THIS BOOK as a resource that encourages you to put your skills to work in manageable ways through exercises and skill builders. When I’m working on larger paintings in my studio, I use many of the mediums we’ve featured in the previous demonstrations, some more so than others. I also tend to favor a certain color palette for a period of time before moving on to something new. Why I choose to do what I do is not easily explained. The best metaphor I can share is one of cooking. At first you use a recipe to guide you in making a dish. After a few tries, you become brave and add your own signature ingredients, maybe even throw in something that leaves your tasters wondering what magical ingredient makes your dish so wonderful. When is your dish (painting) finished? It can’t always be timed, although you’ll eventually know just by looking and touching.
Over time, you will know exactly what colors to reach for and which supplies to use instinctively. Sometimes letting go of any fear or expectations you have for the outcome are the key ingredients. The recipe for success will reveal itself to you as you roll up your sleeves and get busy. Be patient. You’ll create some clunkers. We all do. Sometimes the clunkers are great beginnings that you haven’t finished yet. The patience required of an artist is enormous, so give yourself a break from time to time to refill your well and gather inspiration for those days when you aren’t feeling up to the task.
“Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts. And never hope more than you work.”
— RITA MAE BROWN