For 20 years I have been painting the same subjects in the same realistic style: flower, gardens, houses--rinse & repeat. See:
Lately, I’ve been feeling confined by my compulsion to define every arc and curve. And I’ve noticed myself tightening up.
I receive daily letters from the Painter’s Key (http://www.painterskeys.com). I love these letters. They come to me at just the right moment. I look forward to their gentle reminders and insightful advice. The latest post to strike a chord touched upon the idea of trying something different--reaching out beyond your comfort zone. Expanding, experimenting, loosening up.
So I did just that. Here is one example of my attempt at abstract painting:
My daughter didn’t approve. Not sure I approve either!
How about a subject that I knew little about but that has surrounded me from coast to coast? Waves! Big and small. Distant and close. Wave after wave:
Although I loved the process and the result of my wave phase, it did get a little monotonous...
Next up, flowers, a subject I know well but with looser arcs and softer lines:
Style is an evolution. Habits run deep. Even after decades of painting, I'm still trying to find my voice.
