It is hard to write about painting, and it is especially hard to write about your own paintings. But here I sit wanting to share not only my work, but some thoughts with you too. Up untill now I have been posting just images and sizes and the occasional quick blurb. But now I'm going to change things up a bit, at least for a while. I've been inspired to write and share a bit more about my work.
I like to paint people who feel familiar, people I end up knowing for some reason or other.
During the painting process I have a great time thinking about their lives. I play around with composition so that there is a space around the figure that feels just right for their personality. I like the intimacy of a direct gaze, but I know sometimes people are too shy or shifty for that. When I paint a diptych, like the one above, the relationship between the two takes over. It just happens organically. I painted them as individuals and I know them both so well, but together they have their own thing.
The titles I give provide a glimpse into their lives. It is usually based on what I was thinking while I was painting. For instance, I thought about how Rose's life is about routine and hard work. I also imagine that she is Portugese and that her house smells like delicious food. I often think about smells when I paint. Her husband doesn't talk much but they get along well enough. He is gentle and kind and a litttle bit of a jokester.
My grandfather used to unplug the vacume on my grandmother when she was busy vacuuming and it would get her every time. I'm not sure if I remember that, or just remember my grandmother telling me about it, but it is stored in my memory and was part of the inspiration here.
I enjoy the process of memory and imagination and paint and the story that happens (even if it's only in my head).
I like to paint people who feel familiar, people I end up knowing for some reason or other.
During the painting process I have a great time thinking about their lives. I play around with composition so that there is a space around the figure that feels just right for their personality. I like the intimacy of a direct gaze, but I know sometimes people are too shy or shifty for that. When I paint a diptych, like the one above, the relationship between the two takes over. It just happens organically. I painted them as individuals and I know them both so well, but together they have their own thing.
The titles I give provide a glimpse into their lives. It is usually based on what I was thinking while I was painting. For instance, I thought about how Rose's life is about routine and hard work. I also imagine that she is Portugese and that her house smells like delicious food. I often think about smells when I paint. Her husband doesn't talk much but they get along well enough. He is gentle and kind and a litttle bit of a jokester.
My grandfather used to unplug the vacume on my grandmother when she was busy vacuuming and it would get her every time. I'm not sure if I remember that, or just remember my grandmother telling me about it, but it is stored in my memory and was part of the inspiration here.
I enjoy the process of memory and imagination and paint and the story that happens (even if it's only in my head).
