Rebirthings
mixed media on canvas
11 x 14 inch
Last week in painting class, I dived right into this work...and I mean dived in...sleeves rolled up, head down...and not a word as I worked. I cannot talk and paint at the same time. Luckily my friends in class are forgiving of my silence. It is good to be among other artists on a weekly basis who get it about the need for concentration and having a block of uninterrupted time to paint so that ideas can flow smoothly.
My friend Julie Ford Oliver has mentioned the difficulty of talking while painting before on her blog...how it challenges her while demonstrating in her classroom and on her teaching videos. I understand fully what she meant now that I am in a classroom setting. But I would not trade my classroom time now that I've experienced it. It is so valuable because I not only get to hang with other artists for three hours a week, but I get the privileges of having a teacher (Brian Hinkle) to ask a variety of questions about mediums, techniques, and all things art. It is truly a blessing.
Anyhow, about the painting: I started with scrapbook paper that covered the entire surface of the canvas and painted on top of that. I prefer a smooth surface most of the time, especially when there are small details, and the paper provides that in an interesting way. I worked pretty fast and you can see in the photo below where I left off at the end of class last week. I then pecked at it all week and finished it last night.
Rebirthings in progress
The figures slowly emerged and the details were a mix of accidents and purposeful marks. Once the blackbirds appeared in the sky, it seemed placing one in the child's arms would be a nice touch. After I finished last night, I stared and stared at it trying to come up with a title. I looked up blackbirds, ravens and crows online to get some help. The word rebirth was repetitive among the three bird types, however "rebirth" sounded boring. In art, we can make up our stories and our own words. Lucky us!
The story here is for your interpretation as I had no agenda.
Here are some closeups.
Happy week to you my friends...until next time.
The figures slowly emerged and the details were a mix of accidents and purposeful marks. Once the blackbirds appeared in the sky, it seemed placing one in the child's arms would be a nice touch. After I finished last night, I stared and stared at it trying to come up with a title. I looked up blackbirds, ravens and crows online to get some help. The word rebirth was repetitive among the three bird types, however "rebirth" sounded boring. In art, we can make up our stories and our own words. Lucky us!
The story here is for your interpretation as I had no agenda.
Here are some closeups.
Happy week to you my friends...until next time.
♥ Lisa
Thanks for this interesting post!
ReplyDeleteI like to see what other artists think and feel!
The work is really LOVELY, Lisa!
Something extra special about this one, Lisa. Thank you for the close-ups. The complexity stuns me and the way you wove the tapestry of the characters to bring it to life is amazingly perfect. I cannot see one thing I would change.
ReplyDeleteTotally understand about immersion into a painting. You rock!
Lisa, so complex and so rich. Really amazing. And so happy to hear your process.
ReplyDeleteLove this painting, Lisa. It looks like to me it could almost be the same person at three different times in her life. In that regards, the title (I love it!) takes on even more meaning. Glad you are enjoying your classes. I probably couldn't talk either as that side of my brain is locked into my creative process. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely painting Lisa. I like the whole composition, but especially like how the girl is cradling the blackbird. I enjoy seeing the work in progress, and completely agree with you about not being able to talk and create at the same time. How wonderful to be able to take your art class!
ReplyDeleteMy eyes are taking me all over the canvas, Lisa. I love all the details...the colors and patterns are absolutely outstanding...love your unique style!
ReplyDeleteoh lisa, i love this... it feels like you singing your glorious creative song! so complex and beautiful! the little girl - oh my. she has my heart...
ReplyDeletesing on my friend...
xoxo
Such a lot to look at in this...! I've noticed that artists go quiet when they work (although there are some exceptions)! Great work here.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of the saying, "it takes a village..." and yet there is a sense of tradition and history tied into this magical piece!
ReplyDeleteLove the composition Lisa, as always a story emerges from your canvas. Loved a glimpse at its progression. The lovely transparency of the dress fabric is magical,it looks like chiffon!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lot going on in this one. You can really see too that you did a lot of thinking. (Not that you don't always do that but for some reason it's more obvious here????)
ReplyDeleteBeing in a class regularly sounds very beneficial-like you are accountable and in good company all at one time. Lucky girl:)
This is an amazing piece - so much to look at -- fabulous details. You are painting from somewhere very deep these days and it shows. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your process! I realized that I need not to talk while working! With the
ReplyDeletesnow/cold Mr B is always popping into the studio with news and questions. One really does
need quiet to listen to the story being 'told' with your hands, the paint and canvas. What
an ah-ha moment for me-thanks!
ReplyDeletewonderful painting!!
very fine work Lisa, the light on the houses, the 'red' wood, the girl holding the bird, great details and a stunning whole.
ReplyDeletei can't talk while i am painting either, often work in complete silence, sometimes music, sometimes radio and i need pausing with a coffee and a walk through the garden so i can look with 'new' eyes at what i have been working on.
Oh Lisa, I love the way the girl fades away into the painting the whole piece is so interesting I love the way you came up with the title. I agree that working in a class of like minded people is wonderful. I haven't taken a class in a long time. I must do it again. Thank you for stopping by earlier.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and cheerful painting !
ReplyDeleteI love all the little details you put in your paintings.
so beautiful, creative and wonderful!
ReplyDeletesuch a wonderful piece
ReplyDeletewhile looking at it i feel as though i have stepped into a dream
with many meanings, feelings and facets of life
i have rarely worked around other people, i am guessing that i would be quiet too
but i don't really know
It's a beautiful piece Lisa. Lots of detail on this one. How fun to take a class, I'm glad you are enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Linda
My Happy Place
I can't talk and paint either. Sometimes I skype my family while I work but always have a problem and a lot of uhs and ahms later I often forget what I was going to say. Ahmmmmmm oh yes I love your painting! ManonX
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa. Also, thanks for reminding me that it is okay to feel the need to work in private or quiet or alone on my artwork....
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful, so meaningful, so much detail! Big Hugs Lisa ;o)
ReplyDeleteI forgot to say, I can't talk either! I am a quiet girl ;o)
ReplyDeleteso expressive -- I could feel the emotions as I viewed the paintings!
ReplyDeleteso expressive -- I could feel the emotions as I viewed the paintings!
ReplyDelete