Breakthroughs with the painting session today on several fronts: 1) A different combo emerged in the same painting. 2) The capacity to work in different “styles” on multiple canvases in the same session.
Over the last few months a need has emerged for something different to happen with the paintings – yes still abstract, but often recently I can’t just show up and start splashing paint around. An urge for something more deliberate (whilst still spontaneous) has been the thing – but what could that be?
One scenario piquing interest has been colour transitions (blending from colour to colour). In itself, it’s merely another effect. My wish has been to engage this yet still provide tension.
Worked on a painting recently in this new (for me) colour-blend mode. The difference was instead of the usual broad brush gestures, I started at one small zone of the canvas and worked out ... feeling what was needed in response to what was already happening.
As it turned out, the painting somewhat succeeded. It did also have the added backing of “inspiration” (which isn’t always available) – there was a specific colour-set in mind and a feeling driving the abstract formations.
Engaged in another colour-blend scenario today. The difference this time was the introduction of brush gestures over and peripherally-to the colour-blend areas – first with white, then with other colours. (Another addition was loose pencil gesturing on the canvas providing some vague framework to begin painting. I’ve never done this since going abstract.)
There was also a clear colour-set intent.
Also continued on a different painting where the style was (for me) different. Interesting because for years I’ve been looking for “my style” whereas perhaps there’s not one, but several, and they can all coexist and all be authentic.