Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Heading Home Soon


A small pastel sketch on Biggie paper.  Taking another shot
at painting this waterfall on Oak Creek.


This is attempt number 4 of Oak Creek Waterfall.  This is only a
beginning with wet into wet soft color.  I have some idea where this
is going so we'll see what happens later.


This is what I call noodling!  The word comes from using bare
hands to reach under river banks to catch huge catfish.  How that
has anything to do with this piece ... well, I started by just spraying
water onto the sheet randomly.  Then taking wet paint and dropping 
it in the water and letting it stretch.  At that point I take a liner brush
with water and draw wet crosshatch patterns that just touch the
wet paint and water already on the sheet.  You can piddle with
this for a very long time.  Not necessarily a good thing.  It was
fun to do.  No expectations.


This is the 3rd attempt at this little moutain range.  Another 
example of stopping to late!


It's been nice being here in Sedona.  We did some hiking,
sightseeing, reading, napping and enjoying the sun which 
was with us most of the time.  

My good friend, Loriann Signori has always told me that the
struggle with painting and searching for happiness while
doing it is always the worst before a significant breakthrough.
Well friends, this should be one hell of a breakthrough because
my struggle here in Sedona has been one for the books.
Practically every day I painted was frustrating either because
they didn't begin well or they didn't end well.  I mixed enough
mud to fill the Mississippi, used enough paper to fill a flat
file and turned the light out and walked away more than 
I'm used to.  I thought I would go ahead and post today's
happenings, not because I'm happy with them but just to show
I'm still drawing breath and juggling brushes.  We'll leave
in about a week to head home.  Our trip will lead us north
to Utah and Zion National Park, Arches National Park and
Canyon Lands National Park for a few days and then start
our trek east back to Michigan.  Hope it's finally spring time!

10 comments:

Liz said...

Even though you're frustrated with some of your paintings you’ve also had much success. New journeys are always so full of wonder and surprise and to do it in such beautiful places must so gratifying. Safe trip back to MI!

David Westerfield said...

I know how it can be a struggle sometimes, but keep at it. You are very talented.

Deb Kirkeeide said...

we are always the hardest on ourselves, aren't we? I think I'm in store for one helluva breakthrough as well! I do feel something different is trying to come through but I haven't been able to step out of the way yet!

Keep at it Doug. It's really great to see what you've been up to.

You're trip sounds awesome - I've really got the bug to travel lately - for now I'll have to travel vicariously through you! Happy trails!

loriann signori said...

Hey PB!!!!
One must keep in mind that to even face the blank sheet of paper requires courage... the courage most people can not muster. You ARE doing it! I looked back through your Sedona works and I see you have been breaking down barriers, stretching in new ways. Keep working...I am sure you do not know where your new road is taking you, but be sure you will arrive. Bravery, give yourself credit PB.
hugs, b
PS Safe travels back... sounds like another wonderful trip.

Jala Pfaff said...

Great images!

Keep it up.

Double "D" said...

Thanks Liz for support.

David, thanks very much!

Thanks deb, always good to have your words of encouragement. Nice to have you along on the trip. I'll post some phone pics along the way.


Hi b, you're a wonderful support system. I must be getting over my fear of wasting paper. I've certainly created lots of crap yet I mean scrap.
I'll try and post some pics of the national parks.
I'm hoping to finish the oak creek painting before we head home.
Take good care of yourself, k?
Pb

Thanks jala.

loriann signori said...

Hi PB,
You are so right paper doesn't matter..in fact burning the "dogs" can feel great! You ARE on the road to discovery!

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

there's no point in posting just to post either. You'll be fine.

Suzanne McDermott said...

Doug, I wish you could see my studio right now. there are paintings all over the floor and I'm going to toss most of them away. I thought that I was on a good roll for a little while, then, BAM. A string of duds.

Sorry you struggled in such a beautiful place — I know what it feels like. But I'm glad that you shared your pain because we all go through it and it's helpful for us all to see someone else put it right out there.

Double "D" said...

Hi Suzanne,

It's my way demonstrating as painters that the road is seldom smooth. I compare it to city streets - there are smooth blocks but mostly the road is filled with potholes, cracks and attempts to patch things up. Enjoy the smooth areas and learn from the potholes.

We all have potholes.