Thursday, April 1, 2010

it always starts this way...


Each time I post a photo of a work in progress it always starts with what appears to be a landscape (but is it actually more like a map or a key for me).  As I layer color and blend it on the wood panel or block I am trying to find the starting point for an idea or an image.  I have notes and sketches scribbled all over the brown paper covering my work tables but it is only once I get to the right mix of color that a piece starts to reveal itself.  I have tried working in a more contrived way where I lay out my snippets of paper and then work backwards to create a background but it never works out.  It doesn't feel true. I am drawn to the organic process of staying open to the mood and color of what is front of me and figuring it out as I go.  I am not really this way in the other parts of my life (but i would like to be).  The work I have been putting out there lately is helping me get there.  It is a visual expression of what I'm going through, working out and curious about....thanks for sharing in the process.

9 comments:

Kolleen said...

loved hearing about your process...thank you for sharing!!

cannot wait to see the finished product. i, too, wish i could be more open to the mood and color in my everyday life...it may save me some stress with my 4 kiddlies...or, could possibly create more!! ; )

happy thursday creating!!!

xxoo
k

Kathryn Dyche said...

I love it when others share their process. I'm very much into creating as I go and seeing where the journey takes me.

Amber Dusick said...

Love seeing the process, and your "maps" are quite beautiful at this step already.

the nest said...

on the other hand, there's the way i handle things, loosey-goosey on a daily basis (oh, the pitfalls!) and then for handwork, i like to have instructions or a plan. balance, i guess. occassionally, i "wing it" with the creativity, but that is not always successful, it is almost always fun though! :)

nacherluver said...

I am gushing today! I received my piece of art today and it is so sweet, so warm, so beautiful!
Can't wait to see what your work in progress is going to be.
Oh I am just ~sigh~ in heaven!

chrissy said...

beth...i LOVE that you share your process with us.
i have to say that my little girl still lights my face each day, so whatever you are doing...
KEEP DOING IT!
i love it!

you are a dear!

i also can.t wait to see what the end results will be on these pieces!
loves!

artslice said...

Oh how I wish I could try encaustics! Can't seem to find any local classes. Will be waiting to see what you paint this time. Happy Easter to you and yours.

Juliette Crane said...

wow, i just love looking back at your blog and seeing all of your work. i really need to create another encaustic painting and just adore seeing your works in progress and hearing your stories about how they each turn out and evolve. can't wait to see the finished product for these. best wishes! xoxo, juliette

Leililaloo said...

Dear Beth, your work is such a great thing to see enfold. I love that you talk to us about it and what it does to your personality. Thank YOU for sharing this with us.

Have a happy easter!