Wowser. I have written about this painting here, here and also here! It’s had many lives.
It’s coming up for a year old and still remains unfinished! But in the spirit of my current favourite topic {after Bali :)} ~ the divine feminine ~ I figured I’d just carry on talking in this vein as this painting is now going in that direction.
The first thing I did the other night was whap some big blobs on it, and smear them about with my fingers. When I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do but want to paint, this is often a good way to start. It’s very non committal and can easily be covered if it isn’t pretty. Plus I like to layer up, it gives depth.
I bought some new colours recently, including Quinacridone Violet, Sap Green, Light Ultramarine Blue and Turquoise Phthalo, so I used this as an excuse to try them all out.
I wanted to keep the sea at the bottom ~ all that was left from previous incarnations of this canvas ~ but that was all I knew for sure.
I couldn’t tell you where the figure came from. I was thinking about that this morning; sometimes it feels like there’s a gap in time where things happen but I don’t really remember them clearly, as if I’d been drugged or hypnotised and only have a hazy recollection, if any.
So I remember the part where I was standing in front of the painting, brush in hand, and I remember the part where I stood back and saw the figure, but I don’t reeeeeally remember the part in between, where she appeared.
So this is where it’s at today. I really love it! It doesn’t feel finished, but I reckon not far off now…
I also know it’s called ‘Calling In The Storm’, because it appeared in my head while I was painting it. So good when the paintings name themselves!
It’s so beautiful, and I love watching the progress. The appearance of the figure is really cool!
LOVE it.
absolutely.
fecking brilliant.
*giggle*
xo
Hi Tara
Came across your website through Leah’s Creative Every Day blog. The title you’ve discovered for your painting is ideal. The attitude of the woman suggests to me that she is embracing the storm and all that it brings. All the best!
Marianne
I remember this one…
I love your introduction of new colours and as it stands now – I love the title and the fact that she has her roots in the sea – this maybe my favourite of yours so far 🙂
x
She has such strength to her- Wow! Totally agree with you about the layers- they add mystery and depth.
Tara, this is so frikkin’ awesome!!! I so get what you’re saying about not remembering when your female figure emerged… but just seeing her all of a sudden. A sure sign that you’re totally focussed & in the zone. Your painting really has spirit. Good for you for letting her lead the way. xoxo
This is beautiful and I love the way it “came” into being. I work the same way sometimes. It can be very freeing to just let go and see where you end up. You ended up in a great place!
She’s so wonderful! I love the fact that she has all those layers, all those colors, hidden beneath her surface.
Wow, I love that figure. She looks so strong yet flowing. Calling In The Storm is a great name.
Superb. Maybe I need to stop thinking about my work so much, and just go with the flow. Who knows what may appear…
I’m always so interested and grateful when artists show their process, their creativity in motion. It’s endlessly fascinating. Love the lady in the lake, love the colors and beautiful depth of layers, love the name of the piece – I’m inspired once again to not give up on a piece that I’m not loving. Thanks!