I started a painting ages ago which was supposed to be, well actually, I’ve got no flipping idea what it was supposed to be. It was one of those testing times when the genius idea in your head is not what appears on the canvas. In the end I gave up and it languished for many moons on the floor of my studio.
Then recently, as is my wont, I decided to gesso over the whole thing and start again. Here it is, pre-gesso {not pretty}:
Gesso plus new colours at random:
The more time passes the more I’m learning about my own process. It will always be evolving of course but certain threads remain constant.
I notice that when doing certain things I am smiling or dancing while I’m painting ~ these must be ‘my’ things I guess! When I’ve tapped into creative source and it’s just flowing through me. I love this photo – so scrummy:
Shapes repeat themselves, as do colour choices. Often there is collage, although not on this one. I also get a really strong urge to draw and write on them.
I went into one of my painting trances after first consciously deciding to just dive in and pick colours, brushes and other tools as the feeling arose, not to question anything but just to keep moving and adding and wiping and smooshing.
There was already lots of great texture from the painting beneath it. I wrote ‘rise’ because I was thinking about the lotus flower and how it grows from the mud but looks so beautiful and clean. It represents purity in Buddhism.
Tara’s Genius Tip Of The Day: use chalk to draw in ideas before committing to them with paint. It shows you what something will look like and is really easy to rub off with a cloth. I painted over my chalk lines {more or less} and then rubbed away the chalk when I felt happy with it.
I’m sure I didn’t invent this but I did make it up for myself, and it’s the best way I’ve found to try out composition and subject ideas that I need to see ‘down’ before I know if they work.
I’ve been wanting to paint a lotus for ages, but all my efforts looked like artichokes. There is a hint of artichoke here but I’m happy with it all the same.
So I was pleased with the composition and the areas of dark and light, but it didn’t feel quite pulled together enough. I asked the painting what it needed {yes, really} and it said ‘more white’, so I went back in with some white lines and circles, which I then went over again with pencil.
This painting took several weeks and also just a few hours, paradoxically. I’m really pleased with it!
happy aedm! lovely to see your process – i love the color scheme you have going!
Oh Tara it’s amazing! I always love to see how a painting progresses. This has a deep serenity to it. I think it should live on the wall of a raiki therapist or someone similar! So soothing. A real beauty. You must be really pleased with this.
The way your colors are blending and dancing together is fabulous!!! Thanks for showing the stages!!!
This is a wonderfully relaxing piece, thanks for showing us the process of its creation 🙂
Tara, this is so so beautiful. The colours are so calm & serene… and the evolution of the whole thing. Just amazing.
THank you so much for sharing and for posting on my blog. i’ll be back to yours – guaranteed.
xoxo
Terrific to see your process – I talk to my paintings all the time, too! And I love knowing you’re smiling and dancing while you create. Such joy! So great!
I love painting trances! This is gorgeous, such wonderful flow.
This is really REALLY gorgeous–and not just because it’s in my favorite colors. Thanks for sharing the stages–it’s wonderful!
Wow,this is gorgeous! I would not have guessed it would end up like that! It’s so fun to watch your fearless painting process.
Thanks so much for sharing your process Tara. The finished product is gorgeous. I also love the close-up photos of your layers and textures. So happy to have found you through AEDM and can’t wait to see what you create next.
Tara – This is absolutely beautiful! All of your paintings are amazing. It is so nice to meet you :).
Lovely!! It definitely looks lotus-y and not artichoke-y to me. 🙂 What a great tip on the chalk too! I will have to try that. If I ever get back to painting, that is…
It’s gorgeous, Tara!