You missed a spot...

Hi fellow art lovers!

It’s been a while since I sent out one of these missives. I haven’t written because - insert your favorite excuse here -.

People sometimes ask about my process; how I create a painting. I start by covering the canvas with a lot of color! I use whatever colors I think will invigorate the painting I’m about to start. Then I add the image I want to present on top of that base.

When I’m done, I almost always leave some of this base coat showing. Did I just get tired and quit? Did I run out of paint? Did I “miss a spot”?

There are several reasons I paint this way, especially with portraits. Partly, I want to give the viewer a peek behind the curtain; to give an idea of how the work was created. But, more importantly, these layers that go into creating the work are a metaphor for the messy unpredictability of life. We all have experiences and journeys and battle scars that made us who we are. As Lauren Bacall said:  

 “I think your whole life shows in your face and you should be proud of that”.

So, wear your journey proudly.

Until next time…

drj