I have been traveling constantly since April on plein air painting trips. I just recently was able to get back in the studio, and it has been daunting. Ever watch a dog spin around forever trying to find just the right position for a nap? It’s been kind of like that for me but for about a week and a half. The first week I was home I was chained to the computer catching up on some work for events I am helping with. Then I spent a day or two rearranging my studio. Then I cropped some paintings. Then the guilt seeped in that I was not “producing”. So, Extra Long Filbert #6 paintbrush in hand, I lined up about 6 canvases and started slapping down (literally) compositional sketches.
[gdl_gallery title="july_sketches" width="280" height="280" ]
It was liberating. Really got me back to feeling the “studio love”. Don’t get me wrong...I love my studio, but after you have been painting in exquisite gardens, enchanting historic neighborhoods, and romantic vineyards it is hard to come back inside. I managed to regain focus by channeling the outdoor experiences I have had and infusing those feelings into the studio pieces.
I think it shows even in the sketches. Fingers crossed for the finishes.
I Said You Wanna Be Startin' Somethin You Got To Be Startin' Somethin' I Said You Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' You Got To Be Startin' Somethin'
-Michael Jackson