Black-eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans

Warning: This may be kind of an artist-and-art-business-geek post, and it might get wordy! 

This new palette knife painting was finished yesterday, and it feels very expressive to me. I love the way the composition moves my eye around the painting and keeps my interest, and I also love the texture of the paint. A couple of main inspirations for this painting were flowers in the grassy area in our woods, and paintings I have recently seen that combine black and white with small areas of color. The inspiration from the woods is known and loved - "paint what you know". On the other hand, the combination of black and white with just a bit of color is a creativity booster and a challenge to figure out how to fit the concept with my own way of visualizing and painting. 

12" x 9"

Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on canvas panel

Ready to frame

Click here to view on my website.

Here is where I am getting particularly geeky. As I research and read about art business, competitions and judging, gallery representation, and pursuing skill as an artist, I find that often my approach is pretty much opposite of what the experts advise. And I constantly have to reevaluate my own methods and direction as I try to work out my calling as it relates to the business of the art world. This painting reminds me of one example - and it is a biggie - of what I mean. So many judges, gallery curators, and people who study and write for the arts stand firmly for finding a style that works for you and "staying in your lane" to improve in that one particular style. And I do understand that concept. 

However, it doesn't fit me. I need to continually find and try new ideas and techniques, while at the same time improving on what I have already learned. It does lead to a varied portfolio of work, to be sure. And some of the styles I prefer are not as popular with those who see or collect my paintings. But I love the learning, the stretching my art muscles, and the paintings that come out of those explorations - well, at least some of them! 

I sometimes question myself though. I wonder whether I should be following the advice of the experts. Should I be painting in series? Should I focus in on one of the styles I paint and only that? Believe it or not, facing these thoughts can be paralyzing for me. I think I would have a more difficult time finding my own path if it were not for the many lovely people who have purchased paintings from me, and for the shows and competitions in which I have had success. I sure hope you can hear my heart here. It is NOT a "humble brag" at all. I am so very grateful. I constantly need the reminders that I am on my own right path. (Proverbs 22:6, Psalm 90:12)

Isaiah 30: 20-21 ... but your Teacher will not hide Himself any longer. Your eyes will see your Teacher, and whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”

Please pardon my taking this passage completely out of context, but it is important for me to rely on my God to help me find my way, and this passage reminds me that He is the kind of God who does that for His children. 

Coram Deo.