Anatomy of a Painting

 

the rebirth of rose

2010

I've always had a passion for painting the human figure. Through the painting process I attempt to get glimpses of my subject's personal story. When I paint a woman in particular, I wish to honour her essence, and in turn, I explore my own vulnerability and strength as a woman.

To paint a figure honestly, to paint the humanness inside the person, through their physicality, or to paint a woman's facial expression, so that it feels like it is filled with thoughts is a wonderful challenge.

 

Renoir had not only a great interest in human character, in human feeling, but had also a great love for the people he painted. (Robert Henri)

Aches and Pains

Last night, I was in front of my easel. I'd been painting for a couple of hours, but at that moment, I felt frozen. I had been aching to paint and create all day and realized I couldn't seem to... get there, wherever "there" was.

It is hard to explain. I couldn't be in the present moment and my movements, my brushstrokes felt stiff and awkward.

The cycle - something doesn't flow, it receives intense scrutiny followed by harsh judgements, feelings of desperation at my inadequacies and failings as an artist.
Such a cliche, but I suppose cliches come from somewhere.
Anyway, today's a new day, I'm looking at yesterday's work - step back, look for an inkling of hope, see it and now I will squeeze more paint out of the tube and continue on my journey.