Standing back after an intense session of painting and trying to work out where it’s going I can sometimes see parts of the chaos in my mind. Usually on a day where I finally tackle my fears, the what, why, when, how, but, all shower down in a deafening noise. Then I stop and I can begin to make sense of something.. sometimes.
This work in progress is perhaps another of those..
New from the studio, oil and beeswax on stretched paper. The surface of the paper is primed with PVA and layers of gesso. I began with the drawing in charcoal and pencil with thin layers of paint ade transparent to reveal the under drawing detail. I also used oils mixed with cold wax to push and drag over the surface.
Inspired by the surroundings of large boulders and rocks on a walk near Scar mountain a few weeks back.
Trying some inks on cotton rag paper. It will be on exhibit in a group show I am delighted to be part of. ‘Wicklow Artists’, March 29th at La Touché Place, Greystones, Co.Wicklow
I am currently working on this painting and this was an early stage where it was a few months ago. I felt at the time that it could be finished at that early stage and I didn’t want to do much more with it. I put it aside for a few weeks, which is what I do when I am not sure about a work in progress.
In the above image is where it had come to in the beginning stages. In the first layer I used sand with PVA, which I haven’t used sense my previous trees series. I used the sand to start the beginnings of the composition and then when the PVA mixed with the sand dried I painted the next layer which was oils and colour with oil sticks to mark make. I painted loosely where the painting seemed to want to go toward. I left it for a few weeks and felt it needed to warmer and brighter. So far this is its progress.. it may be concluded but I’ll give it time to rest.
A small look at my current painting still in the making. I have two in progress at present and they seem to be playing off each other. With this painting that I am sharing here, thoughts and ideas leaning toward the full moon are starting to form. The way gravity affects the mind around this time and also the idea of physical weightlessness are something I would like to bring through in the painting.
A few nights ago I had a dream I was flying and usually when this happens in a dream I become aware of my dream state.. those are most vivid dreams and they affect me for days after. Sometimes I set out with memory of a hike I did and then I wait to see how that changes in the making of the painting. Here, it has taken on a complete different direction and I am having a lot of fun with this one.
I am excited to have just added new work 6 to my site. This is a new series of paintings which I am continuing into 2019, so there will be more to follow in the coming year. I hope you enjoy what I have so far in this series!
Trying to fix a painting.. inspired by thoughts and visual awareness from my hike today..well yesterday now.. terrains, tree felling, January sunset, tree stumps, wild winds over Lough Tay and spying on sparrow hawk trying to fly against the winds.. .
