There are times when I take long breaks from painting and
other times when I am painting every day of the week. It is best when I avoid long breaks because the
flow of creating is less distracted.
If you are a creator, I am positive you can relate to what I am speaking about.
So recently my mind has
been blank; this led to a month of me not doing much of anything in the art
studio.
This might have been good because I finally completed my
garden book and have also been busy working in the garden. But in the mix of
all that activity I have been smelling pine in the air.
The fresh pine scent travels with cooler temperatures, especially when the wind present and I love it.
Last week, I decided to embrace the pines and let my creativity flow. I hit several roadblocks; my mind was distracted but I did not stop because I needed to let impressions surface.
The Pallet
I had to begin with the right color pallet and honestly
sometimes mixing your own shades of green is the best way to begin to replicate
nature. My pallet was simple and
consisted of four main colors.
- Green – Cadmium Yellow, Cobalt Blue and a tad of Paynes Gray
- Brown – Burnt Umber and Paynes Gray
At times I let these colors blend and then I did a little splatter with Alizarin Crimson. I was beginning to get my flow back and then the weekend came.
I spent another afternoon painting feeling less than thrilled
with my results. I could sense that
something was holding me back and I was unable to figure out what.
This is when I take a step back and look at what I have
painted. When I can see the struggles, this helps me relax and become more focused on what I want to paint.
I decided December will be a continuation of pinecone impressions
because this theme and pallet is capturing my heart. The blending of colors has made me realize the
impression I am after has not revealed itself.
This means additional walks in nature are needed. Christmas
decorating will have a pine theme and eventually what I am feeling will
make it onto paper. Find your creative vibe friends and let it flow because the
key to a thriving society is sharing your gifts.
Be the good,
Carole West