My relationship with painting

I’ve been thinking about something…

Why do I get ‘stuck’ on a painting? Some days, I feel like I can paint for hours. Other days, it’s plain ol’ cat licking. I certainly don’t have it all figured out but I had a bit of an epiphany. I get stuck when I am no longer receiving feedback from the work.

I always find that the most exciting time for a painting is the early stages, when everything is full of promise. This is the time when my painting is most chatty. Our conversations are diverse and colourful. They can take many directions. We are both on our best behaviour - open and receptive. As the painting progresses, it can become quieter. I have to listen really carefully. Sometimes it just stops communicating and our relationship is stuck. That may mean there is no more to be said. The conversation is over and the painting is actually finished. It can take me days or months to come to that realization. Sometimes there is more work required. I usually do one of two things: Have a tussle or send the painting for a time-out. The tussle involves discipline, self-flagellation and more often than not, a tight deadline. The time-out means we are taking a break and are free to see others. We usually find that we were meant to be together. We just had to learn a bit more about ourselves.

Too much time alone?

Alter Ego, oil on canvas, 10 x 10 inches