1161 Deep Dark Secrets

I love the practice of layering paint to cover a previous painting, collage paper, or secrets. I like to see the random bits of color from earlier layers, in this case a still life followed by an abstract.  

1160

 

This is the final piece in the Now and Then series.  Here are all four together, which I think is very interesting. I visualize them mounted on 2" deep white cradles and grouped together

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1160/998569

1159

 I'm happy with this third painting in the series Now and Then,  and really like the little bits of metallic gold, but I wish I didn't put the black line smack dab in the middle.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1159/998351

1158.

 

This is the second collage in the Now and Then series of four, possibly my favorite.  It will be mounted on a 2" deep white cradle and I think would look really cool in a grouping.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1158/998189

1157 Now and Then

1156 Hidden Treasure

 Whew.  I'm happy to feel back to my normal creative self.  I've been working on several projects at a time, which is a proven recipe to success.  

As is frequently the case, this painting started out entirely different, but I had to go where my intuition led me, even if it meant covering up some favorite collage papers, just a hint of which are left after sanding.

I'm happy with this painting, and gave myself a play date after this.  

The rooftop garden is ready to welcome tomatoes and other plants grown from seed just as soon as I am confident about the weather.  I hope you had a nice weekend.  Thanks for your support.

Tomorrow's Another Day

This is what I accomplished today and yesterday.  Yep.  3 "paintings" covered with black gesso to block out the 3 underlying disasters--- one still life and two abstracts.

I think it's important for you to know that not every day is rosy in an artist's studio.  It's frustrating, maddening, and can be crippling.  Those nasty voices tell you that you are stupid to think you can accomplish such a lofty goal.  Or the "Who do you think you are?"  Or "No one cares about any of this."  This isn't just me, folks.  It's a common feeling among many artists, or so I've been told.  I've heard it over and over again and fight those demons every day (not to get too dramatic).  My new art (s)hero is helping a lot to dispel these little voices and to encourage "fun," so don't worry.  There is a light at the end of this tunnel.

My BFF posted this little ditty today on Facebook.  It is indeed the truth.

"Never regret a day in your life: good days give happiness, bad days give experience, worst days give lessons, and best days give memories." author unknown.

Yes, tomorrow is truly another day.

1155 The Mist of Reminiscence

 With Mother's Day in the recent past, I was remembering all the strong women who mothered me through the years.  In addition to my own mother and mother-in-law, there were many, and so on Mother's Day and in the following days, my heart honored them all.  I was grateful to have my kids with me on Sunday to help with some gardening chores and to celebrate.  I am indeed fortunate to have such a loving family.

The troublesome painting that obsessed me has been turned face down in a corner so I cannot see it.  I spent so much time---three full days---fretting, applying paint, removing paint over and over again, yet have nothing of pride to show for it.  Lately, I have trouble with abstract shapes and forms.  Nothing feels right.  As a representational artist for so many years, I am very used to painting what I see, so painting something I don't see is extremely difficult.  I must loosen up and be free with my large gestures.  To move forward, I started 3 new paintings including this one, and am hoping I can gather some inspiration.  My favorite artist has a free "taster" 8 day class beginning on May 20, so I know I will learn a lot and will be swimming in inspiration and ideas.  Can't wait.  

I hope you are well and enjoying nice weather.  It was in the 80's today.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1155-the-mist-of-reminiscence/997165

1154. Primavera

 

I started this painting as an experiment using alcohol as a reductive solution, which was fun.  I made the circles out of a radish dipped in the alcohol.  From there, I didn't know where to go with it, but with my new bravery, I dug it out of the pile of incomplete paintings.  I love the freshness of the colors, so springlike, so I named it Primavera which loosely means Spring.

The beauty of an abstract s that it can be hung in different orientations.  I painted it as above, but  there are other possibilities.  The second image below would be my second choice.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1154--primavera/995565