I’d say that about half of my painting sessions begin with no ideas, just a blank canvas and a table full of supplies. I look around at things, maybe flip through a nice little Japanese paint color book (I’ll write about that soon) and see what pops into my head. I’ll then dig through my paints, looking for something that catches my eye, then decide on if I want to use brushes or palette knives, or maybe just balled up paper towels and some tape.
The options are limitless.
For these two canvases, I went with “all of the above”. There were paper towels, painter’s tape, palette knives, brushes, and even some watered down paint I splattered on as an afterthought. An acquaintance mentioned that these looked like they could be album covers. Maybe…perhaps for some progressive rock band.
Both were done on 12×12 canvas panels.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
The one on the left makes me see rain on a window with a sunset coloring the sky outside it. Lovely, Richard! 💞
Oh, that’s a great interpretation, Dawn. I didn’t look at it that way, but now I see it. Thank you!
I love your process and the way you describe them. It’s so inviting. Makes me want to pull out my paints and get started 😀. I like them both.
Thank you so much, Morag! I hope you splash some paint on a canvas today. 🙂
You are welcome Richard. 😂 I will do some splashing tomorrow. It’s 11pm here.
I see everyday consciousness in the pastel painting. The second image reminds me of focused laser beams.
That’s wonderful to read, Swabby. Perhaps that was my unconscious mind trying to express itself in the in pastel canvas. Thank you.
I love this Richard.
Thank you, Wayne. 🙂
Definitely see album covers, especially the first one. Maybe go back in time and offer it to Pink Floyd!
I love hearing about your process. Your mind and heart seem open to what comes.
Oh, that would be amazing, Michelle. At least, in my dreams. 🙂
I’m glad to know you enjoy a peek behind the curtain. I love the spontaneity of painting. And like Jasper notes in a comment below, it’s very much like writing poetry.
They are both “enjoyable” to the eyes.
I would equate abstract painting to writing a poem. The impression that are expressed aren’t necessarily given a context. I elicits a varied response, it doesn’t impose. It’s like musing with paint as a medium. … unlike “realism” painting such as landscape, portrait or still life – there are rules.
Poetry for me is the use of words to capture an emotion, a random thought or to just muse. Rules of grammar, progression of an idea or even spelling doesn’t need to be followed, or get diminish for reflecting lack of “skill” …. unlike a well constructed essay, with a logical order, supporting details summoning the reader to a certain “place”.
Agreed, Jasper, and I appreciate your view of how poetry and painting have similar qualities. Thank you for commenting.
Usually, I am bit more for the “aggresive” colours, so I’d choose number 2.
But I actually really love the slightly darker pastel colours in the first! It’s like a fierce uncorn 😄
I love how you each time seem to get an emotion out of me with simple shapes, but mainly the use of colours!
It’s something that must be studied!
LOL…I love ‘fierce unicorn’. I think that’ll be what I title the canvas!
Thank you for the kind words, Andrea. 🙂
Brill!
Merci beaucoup!
Splattered like white on a canvas so bright,
Making the visible dance in the light.
Through blues and hues and the marvels you spewed,
It all finds the heart, where the vision is glued.
– took some time but was able to bring out what I wanted to write after seeing your painting
Loved it Richard 💜
Have an awesome evening ✨
That’s beautiful, Aparna! Thank you so much for the poem!
Wishing you the same. 🙂
Thank you Richard 😇
Really means a lot to me !