The Painting, Take II

New 24" x 18" canvas

I started the painting over. Last semester ended in a frenzy and the head space that I was in during the original composition process was not one that I normally produce satisfying art with. It can't be forced, which was exactly what happened as my deadlines approached, and I took some pictures that I wasn't that enthralled with and began from there. The idea fell flat, and I shoved the painting (which, after the last time I worked on it, was full of dark, matte colors that reflected my mood at the time...) into the corner when I got home for break and didn't look at it once for the entire five weeks. Some might say I have commitment issues.

Bigger, more exciting ideas this time - quick sketch, no photos to work from. 

I have to allow the project to materialize on its own accord. It's never worked well for me to sit down and just do art, especially since I haven't taken any classes or done much in the past several years. I've got a studio art class this semester, and am looking forward to exercising that creative brain muscle again...

Forget about Lamp Black, I went straight for the Alizarin Crimson to solidify the idea!

As much as I loved negative space, it felt lacking with all that extra space. The solution? More pears! Very womb-like at this stage... very pleasant to walk into my room and see this waiting for me. 

There was something too stiff and conventional about the way I approached the first painting. I wanted more color; more funky, rotund shaped fruits reminiscent of 'love handles' on the human body. I know what pears look like, and didn't need a picture to refer to. Walking further and further away from the Apollonian, logical, realistic approach into the Dionysian, sensual, and abstract realm. Suits me better at this time in my life.

Messing with the background, trying to figure out how to achieve a brighter purple on the bottom half.
Looks black in the photo. 

It almost feels like I'm not the one making decisions when I do art, as if something takes over and controls my hand. The idea came in a flash this past week, and I've looked forward every day since I restarted for the when the next layer of paint dries so I can keep working on it. Flecks and crosshatching are in the future...

Palette...

This morning's progress- so much fun with Chrome Yellow and Indian Yellow!