Saturday, October 11, 2008

Finishing the Start

Evening 48 x 60-under painting

Its amazing the amount of things you can get done while you are trying to avoid tackling a big canvas-things like laundry, cleaning up the garage and even your taxes (yes, we procrastinate around here). But eventually you have to face the music, or in this case- the linen. The one thing I have learned is that no matter what I intend the work to be, no matter how many studies I do, the canvas will, at some point very early on, become its own very different thing. When I painted in a more direct manner I would sometimes try to force it back into its cage, so to speak. But now, I cannot so easily cover my tracks. The under painting tells all and whatever happens by the time I have finished the start will be part of the finished work.


8 comments:

Ed Terpening said...

I, too, am a big procrastinator when it comes to larger works! They are daunting. But this is a wonderful start. Can't wait to see it finished

Deborah Paris said...

Thanks Ed!

Don Gray said...

Yes it's true paintings always take on a life of their own and escape the artist's control. But this is a good thing, don't you think? With the loss of one's "intent" comes the opportunity for genuine discovery, the chance to be exited and involved in process, and the possibility that the painting might become more than just what one has already thought of.

Sylvia Jenstad said...

love your compsosition... I will have to pop back to see it finished... I also love 'October Afternoon'

Anonymous said...

Great under painting Deborah. Looking forward to the finished work.

Now that I have been checked out the work on a few dozen artist's blogs, checked email and gone for my third cup of coffee . . . I need to face that blank canvas.

I wonder why we procrastinate doing the thing we love the most.

Deborah Paris said...

Hi Don. I go back and forth on this- usually, what I do is such a pale version of what I "intended" that its hard for me not to wish I could hold on to the vision more successfully.

Thank you Sylvia and thanks for visiting!

Hi Michael. one word- fear Thanks for visiting!

Marian Fortunati said...

They do have a life of their own don't they?
Isn't it wonderful when you start working on those rare paintings that seem to paint themselves? Too bad it doesn't happen very often.
This IS lovely, however... even if you did try to avoid it.

Deborah Paris said...

I don't seem to get many of those "paint themselves" types these days. Thank you Marian and welcome!