I recently reached 20 years as a self-employed artist, driven forward by stubbornness and a deep desire to create meaning in tangible form. I have learned to trust my instincts and employ patience to ride out the adventure of each painting, and to not settle with thoughts of “it’s GOOD ENOUGH”. And no painting exemplifies this more in current memory than this newest piece:
Symphony & Stillness. Literally finished TODAY.
This 24x24 inch painting on deep canvas, alive with touchable textures, pushed me in more ways than any creation has in a long time... but gently. She nudged me to not stop until she was just right. And her ‘right’ was far different from the original intention. I believe in surrendering to the process, allowing the painting to guide as I constantly step back and survey her. This painting had a voice of its own and would not stand for a decision that she was correct, good enough, or even on the right track... until she was.
Here is the reference photo - put together from two photos we took at the beach.
And here's a video showing some of her process!
There is an abundance of expectation and joy billowing out of Symphony & Stillness... a vision of a perfect moment or an ideal place. In this piece are tiny elements that I didn’t anticipate creating (like, ever!): a grandparent and child playing ball, a gramma and child flying a kite, an expectant couple relaxing on a blanket, a little couplet making sandcastles, and a big family frolicking. A little set of twins… and something hidden even deeper, for you to find. Each little figure thrills in its simplified but delightful form. People-watching at its best, and I love watching people living their good lives.
And a beautiful soul considers it all from above, her perch is soft and welcoming, her shoulders warm, her face shaded. She’s earned this reprieve and will spend hours here amongst the swaying foxgloves and the symphony of the sparkling sea. All will be well. Let’s join her, if only for a moment.
Time becomes irrelevant in the dance between technique and intuition, a relief because with Symphony & Stillness, I listened and worked right up until the end, layer upon layer. Including a couple hours ago when gazing at her to finish her story and choose her name, she had ONE final ask: a little glow on the most distant land. Okay, done 😊
This journey included one big color adjustment after another, sometimes wiping out an area I had just spent over an hour on. At the easel, or wherever we place ourselves to realize our creative practice, we endure uncertainty and refine towards harmony. That is what our souls (and our creations) demand.
Final Tidbit:
2024 Calendars are shipping by September 12. And I have a little fun thing that I'm sharing over in the private FB Group. Message or email if you want one, as there will only be a handful of leftovers (they are for a specific project). The winning design is purple on navy blue!
Thank you for being here, I hope you are having a LOVELY week!
Love & Sincerely, Katie
