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

1153. More Prayers for Peace

I'm not sure this is finished, but I'm going to post it anyway and then look at it for a few days.  I've had Ukraine on my mind and felt I wanted to try a blue and yellow painting.  I even managed to locate another Pray For Peace postage stamp in my stash.  

Regarding 1152. As It So Happens, I finally found my favorite orientation, with help from my trusty husband (he is my best and most honest painting critic, surprisingly because he's color blind).  

Have a wonderful weekend.

 

1152 As It So Happens

 

As it so happens, I was eager to add this brilliant Violet/Magenta color to my palette and a day later we bought the most beautiful orchid at Costco in this same color.  AND as it so happens with many abstract paintings, it can be hung in whatever direction you like.  I painted the picture with the top view, but I kind of like the second better.  There's something more optimistic about the upturned arches.  Which orientation do you prefer?

This painting is for sale, unframed. 

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1152-as-it-so-happens/994550