The Art of Patience…

Aug 26

Watercolours paints, acrylic inks - both mediums I love. My usual modus operandi is to work quickly, their very nature providing a limited amount of time to ‘move’ them around…but, but…

I’m working on creating a new series of paintings for an exhibition next May. This involves a lot of experimentation…trying to capture the subject matter in a way that I find evokes a sense of place and atmosphere. I know I want to work in the loose, expressive way that I love, and that the fluidity of the materials suggest…but, I also know I want to work in layers to capture the various layers of the landscape. So, I’m trying to work spontaneously, but with intention, if that’s not an oxymoron…

Working with my usual limited/muted colour palette, I’m endeavouring to let the water and pigment lead the way, creating spontaneous, sometimes, surprising effects…but, at the same time, trying to ‘structure the composition’. It’s a dance between control and surrender that is both beautiful and frustrating… Which is where patience comes in. Taking my time, allowing the layers to dry, being intentional, considered, but letting go and embracing the beauty that comes with it…