Gentle Values
Gradual, so gradual! I find that I’m building values much more slowly these days. I don’t know if this is making the paintings better — I don’t really think like that. I’m not thinking about technique or making conscious decisions about it these days. I’m just painting for the pure love of it and whatever happens is the deal. An artist has to paint for a while before releasing this much control - and it is certainly the most enjoyable way to paint. I’m fairly certain a decent piece will emerge, on some level anyway. My main goal is to create something that is uniquely mine and that brings me peace in the process.
The result is this slow building of layers — building values — that I think give the painting depth and unity by the time I’m finished. Yes, I could probably achieve the same thing quicker and more efficiently but who cares? It’s our unique rhythms and priorities that make our paintings sincere. Insuring that they are speak to the viewer is impossible - I don’t have any control over the receiver. Insuring that they are effective for me is definitely important and a goal that I can possibly attain.
Actually, this way of working is a form of meditation. I’m appreciating the brush touching the paper, the pools of paint on the palette, and the sun coming in the window across my painting. The string of moments seems more important than the end product.
