I’d be lying if I said I actually took some time off to rest after the opening of “Ordinary Alchemy”. A few days following the show opening, my husband was driving to work and had a bad accident with a deer. He’s fine…we’re all fine….it was just one of those things that really shook everyone up. “What could have happened….if…” Sadly, the deer entered the next world, and there’s over $15,000 damage to our big GM truck. Big deer.
Accidents happen…but they throw me for a loop emotionally and that’s not always a good thing when approaching a painting. Not willing to pick up the brush to begin anything major, I’ve been dedicating the last week to sketching – pencil and this evening, with oils. It’s reminded me that getting back to the basics and practicing those skills is not only relaxing, but necessary. I’m not at all unhappy with the results of the sketches, so thought to share them with you here. I’ll work them up into future paintings – I’ve got a few new ideas that I’m anxious to try out.
Spending the time thinking about the fundamentals – the things that are important both in family and in my art practice, I feel stronger and focussed on my craft. Let’s just say that the “deer” focussed me on what’s “dear” to me.
I’m looking forward to a few more sketches and “quicky” oil sketches. I love working different approaches in visual language. I’m thinking about what I’ll be putting together for the Gwaii Haanas Artists In Residence show upcoming in Haida Gwaii in November, and working on some of that in an upcoming residency at The Banff Centre from September to the end of October. A fresh studio approach will be just what the Art Doctor ordered!
