Reclaiming paintings that have been languishing in the temporary limbo of the unfinished is bringing back the muse. The studio feels lighter and has more room for creative thoughts already. And I've got some pretty fun new paintings out of the process. Just seeing a smaller stack of unfinished, unloved works makes a big difference, which while refreshing, surprised me with it's effect.
I'm starting to think in color and brush strokes again. The right brain is able to take over easier once again, shutting out time and the inner critic, ah...
It was exciting to see my piece as part of the members show at IGCA (International Gallery of Contemporary Art). Seeing the painting on the lovely white walls, surrounded by works by various other Alaska Artists and feeling I am a part of the whole, and contributed my own unique artist voice to the group show was very satisfying.
My studio has reached a new level of "precious" to me. I am coming to realize that with the move, I most likely will be giving up the luxury of having an in home studio for the next year or so. It becomes about the needs of the "family", and finding a place to live on fairly short notice with 2 dogs means prioritizing and compromise. In the long term, it will give us more time to look for a place with all the desired things to buy and settle in to, that's what is important to remember now. It will also give lots of motivation for plein air painting, it will be nice to have more winter colors than blue and white! The colors we see in the winter in Alaska, while breathtaking and fleeting often look rather unbelievable and even garish in most painting attempts. They seem to be best taken in at the moment, as vague memories of the amazing beauty of Alaska skies and alpen glow. Montana has outdoor beauty also, just on a different scale, and a bit more accessible. Alaska lures with it's magnificently astounding beauty while also keeping it just out of reach, you often can look but much more infrequently be a part of it.
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