The Evolution of a Painting

The Evolution of a Painting

As a creative person and a problem solver, I am often surprised by the notion that a problem may have only one right answer or way of doing things (this is probably why I was such a hopeless math student). I know that when I work, problems arise, and problem solving is an essential part of my creative process. This is true in my school, it is true in my home, and it is certainly true with my art creation.

 I like to document my creative process when I can (when I remember), because it is a tangible reminder when presented with a final piece, that this was not the only possible final piece or outcome. This piece (any piece) represents the outcome of a series of choices, each dependant upon the one before.

I don't always remember to take pictures of my art as it develops, but I did take a few for my most recent piece that I'd like to share with you.

My Process: 

 I start with a blank canvas.  In this case, the canvas is 3 feet by four feet.  I usually begin with sketches on paper, but they always change when I bring them to the canvas.  In this case, based on the conversation with my client, I knew I was creating a tablescape, and that the theme would be Shabbat.  I started with my layout, knowing that I would be layering Shabbat images in and around the big central vase. on the rounded table.

I added the shapes and images as they related to the table and vase, and adjusted sizes as needed.  At this point I set up my paint palette, deciding on warm, vibrant colors and bright blues.  I block out the color and fill my canvas fairly quickly.  This is only the first stage and I don't worry so much about muddy or flat colors.  I am mostly looking to make decisions about object placement, color and shape.  I'm looking to see what my main colors will be, and  I change some colors based on their proximity to each other and the overall design.  

Later, I adjust the colors, and add highlights.  When I am almost finished, I outline the whole piece--usually with a mix of dioxane purple and ultramarine blue, and continue to adjust colors as I go. By doing my outline at this stage, I can clearly see where I need to continue to deepen or adjust my colors.  sometimes I find my shapes are not working, and I change them.   Here I changed the background and deepened the shadows, and added color highlights.  

Communicating with my client...

By now, I know there is still more to do, but I am happy enough to send a picture of the painting to my client to hear what she has to say.  Incidentally, at this stage, I am very nervous to hear her response.  This is a large painting and the color palette might be a bit too much for her.  I don't know her personally, and am relying on phone calls and digital communications to ensure that she gets what she wants.  

She writes back that she is thrilled--loves the bright colors and joyful shapes.  Whew! what I relief.  She suggests a change to the top of the wine bottle, which I will happily make, while I brighten up certain spots and add  a few more small details.  

And Finally...

I added a few more details than I anticipated.  This piece has certainly taken on a life of its own.  It has a lot of vibrant color and shape that I am very excited about.  Here are some close ups:  

 And here (below) is the final! I shipped it out last week and was holding my breath to hear what my client thinks. It is very nerve wracking to send out a commissioned piece, because they are such a leap of faith, both for the client and for me.  (imagine spending a lot of money on something that doesn't even exist yet, based only on  faith and prior works---It is an honor for me whenever someone does it, and I get nervous each time wondering if I am up to the task).

 She called me as soon as it arrived to tell me that she loves it!  She got a little teary telling me what it meant to her, and I got VERY teary hearing her emotional response.  I am so grateful to be able to share this painting with her.

Shabbat Dinner Table with Flowers...For Yvonne

Dolls Dolls and More Dolls!

These past few weeks I have been making dolls non-stop.  I don't want to do anything else!  I'm having so much fun imagining different characters and then figuring out how to make them a reality.   At each step I find that I discover a new technique (usually by accident) and I love that I never know what is going to happen next.  

At first I thought I wanted to simply make hand painted dolls like these:

But then, I started thinking about fabric and yarn, and decided to play with some more traditional doll making supplies.  My next dolls were still handpainted, but added more fiber elements.  

These are some of the next dolls that I made: 

Each time I made a doll I learned something new, and I think that is the most exciting part of it for me.  Making these dolls is such a departure from the paintings that I have gotten so comfortable with.  And so, while I will probably always paint--I've worked too hard for too long to stop painting now--- I am so excited to find something new to learn.  I find the 3 dimensionality satisfying as well--I love that when I am done I have something to hold--a new character who didn't exist before.  I'm also motivated by the surprise of it all--the fact that before this summer I had no idea how to sew and these dolls were not even something I could imagine---is so exciting and keeps me wanting more.

Plus, I think they like hanging out together, don't you?

  

Hayom Harat Olam...Today is Pregnant With Eternity.

On Rosh Hashanah we hear the shofar blast and recite "Hayom Harat Olam"  Today the world is born. Another translation that I"ve heard is: "Today is pregnant with eternity".  What a concept! Today is all potential.  Our world is waiting; ready to be recreated, reimagined, and reborn.  Today we await what will be and we are also the creators of what will be.  Is there any greater state of readiness, of actively waiting than pregnancy?

L'chol Kora'v: To All Who Call

This painting, called L'chol Korav:To all who call, reminds me of this state of expectation.Today is pregnant with eternity. Hayom Harat Olam.Today is about potential.We are filled with excitement and nerves and waiting and impatience for what will be.No matter what comes next, nothing will ever be the same.  

I'm excited for this new year. I have great hopes for myself and my family. I have a new niece to love and spoil, and my own children are growing too fast. My work is satisfying and I keep finding new projects to keep me learning and growing (and procrastinating). I have some goals too, some private ones, that are about the pieces of my life that I am unsatisfied with. Perhaps this will be the year that I will finally let go of the behaviors that way me down and the parts of my life that are less than ideal.  Who knows what will be. Today is pregnant with eternity. Today is my chance to make change.  

With Best Wishes For a Shana Tovah! Happy New Year!

The Student Becomes the Teacher

For my whole life as an artist (basically my whole life), I have created two dimensional work--I draw, I paint, I collage.  Two years ago, when I started teaching in Omanut (ART) at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, I quickly realized that flat drawing and painting has limited appeal amongst campers.  Some were totally into it, but most wanted something a bit more dynamic.  I struggled to find projects that were
more "crafty"---more 3-dimensional.  I found a few--and I'll talk in another post about some of them,  but today, I want to talk about my own work, and a project that started at camp that has become an obsession for me in my professional art making life.

Soft Hand Painted Sculptures!

It started when my mom gave me a sewing machine this summer, about a week before I left to work at camp.  I have never sewn before but I knew I wanted to do something arty---NOT PRACTICAL---with it.  I've been thinking alot about making dolls, and thought the new sewing machine would be a great way to play with the idea.  My mom showed me the basics, but I left for camp still not really knowing what to do with my new machine.

My new sewing machine, in its temporary home on my painting table.  

I decided the best way to play with the idea was to give my campers projects where we all had to learn together.  SO, I had two groups work with the idea of soft sculpture.  One group of fifth graders took on the project of creating monsters/creatures out of fabric.

The steps:

1. They designed simple monster/creature patterns on paper.
2. I showed them how to create their creature out of one basic shape ( a circle, a heart, whatever they wanted). We would add details with additional fabric, feathers, googly eyes, etc. later.
2. They pinned their pattern to two pieces of fabric (the front and back of their creature) and cut out the fabric.
3. I taught them to use our camp sewing machines---though one student preferred to do the project by hand.
4.They sewed the outline of their shapes, leaving a 2-inch opening for turning the shape inside out (to hide the stitches) and stuffing.
5. They turned their shapes inside out, stuffed them, and hand sewed the opening closed.
6. They used  additional fabric, buttons, feathers and googly eyes to decorate both sides of their creatures. We used a glue gun to attach the details.

I think they did a great job, don't you?

Which brings me to my new passion---hand painted soft sculptures.  When I saw the brilliant work my students did with such simple materials, I realized this was something that I wanted to do too!  I've been playing with my new sewing machine and having a great time making soft sculptures, dolls, and monsters.  Thanks to Camp Ramah and my amazing campers for the inspiration! And of course, thanks to my mom for the sewing machine!

This is the first doll  I made while at camp---I loved painting her with acrylics and detailing her with fabric puffy paint, ribbon and a purple gem stone.  

When I got home, I continued making art dolls.  Here are two projects that I made---Two Sided Flip Dolls.  (Each doll is actually two dolls---one on each side).  

Two Sided Flip Doll (Side A)

Two Sided Flip Doll (Side B)

Front Side Green/Orange Monster

Back Side Green/Orange Monster