Total Art Soul - for artists

Been scratching your brain and wondering, weren't you?  Glad you asked!

If you go back and look at my earlier paintings, you'll see a common omission - people. Truthfully, I enjoyed letting the viewer put themselves into the painting, or even putting characters into it and telling the story THEY saw happening.  But it also glaringly highlighted what intimidated the hell out of me - actually PAINTING people.

The last picture I drew of someone was Darryl in study hall in high school way more years ago than I care to admit.  It wasn't until just recently that I dabbled in figures and faces; the first one being the little boy with his disastrous ice cream incident. Fun to do, scary for sure, but if you look at it, very safe, simple and restrained.  The second attempt was the painting of the boys in front of the radio. This painting was more complex and it was difficult to try to convey different emotions. Even harder was to LET LOOSE of my typical reservations and really be creative with the paint.

A week ago, I had to go to Tappahannock to drop off some paintings. I was sick, felt terrible and just wanted to get my errands done. I had a plan and .......as always..... I stick to it.  Until I saw the hunters.  They were in the opposite direction of where I was heading and I glanced back in my rear view mirror at the group.

"Will you take the step?" Loud and clear I heard the silent inquiry. Change of plan and in that moment I turned around and headed back to them.  They were friendly and welcoming and after introducing myself and what I do, they agreed to let me come back after my errands and photograph them for a future painting.

At first they were stiff and posing for the camera, but because I was sick and didn't want to get too near, I stood back and just let the camera click as we talked.  They seemed to forget that I was photographing them and I got several shots and their friendships played out in front of me. It was a joy to spend those brief moments in time with them.

"Toe To Toe" The blank canvas and the challenge of composition, figures, emotion, telling the story.  I can't explain what happened next, only that it did. I leapt. From 3 photos, this incredibly fun painting has formed itself. It grew, it breathed, it laughed, it tells the story of that moment in time. It tells the story of  3 generations of hunters and the friendship they share.

"Leap Of Faith" Not one person, not 3, but FOUR figures, each totally different and interacting with each other. Four personalities, four emotions responding to a situation. Everything in me screamed, "YOU CAN'T DO IT" but I did it anyway. What happened for me was magical. A bridge I hadn't yet seen appeared right out of nowhere. I was Indiana Jones walking across that bridge!

Thank you to the Blagmon Hunt Club for allowing me to photograph them to create this piece.

Comment (0)

I love the Indiana Jones trilogy. Out of all of them, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is probably my favorite because of one memorable scene: the leap of faith. Jones is standing before what appears to be an impossible chasm but needs to reach the other side.  He wrestles with what he sees- this vast crevasse with no passage, and what he knows- that a Leap of Faith will get him across.

That scene gave me goosebumps the moment Indy took that first step off the edge of the cliff. My heart raced; I could FEEL his fear and then his foot landed on the bridge that couldn’t be seen until that first step was taken! Didn’t we all go, “Whew!” right along with him?

I’ve been sitting here since 4 AM, reflecting on situations in my life when I faced that same chasm. Deep, far and seemingly impossible to cross and at the very core of each situation are two opposing and completely intertwined driving forces:   fear and faith.  Even in the most mundane daily activities I tend to choose the safe and predictable path and looking back, I’ve realized that that choice comes from being conditioned to avoid that which I fear. In recent years there have been many challenges and people put into my life I am certain to make me truly look fear in the face. Stand toe to toe. Stand at the edge of the chasm.

In not one instance, did anyone ever PUSH me off the edge, rather simply said, “What are you going to do, Jen?”  The choice was mine. One person in particular nearly daily would silently ask me, “Will you take that step?”

To avoid the appearance of being melodramatic, I have to say that this post is not just about major life changes. It is that every day we are faced with little choices – easy, predictable way or new and unknown.  As it has been done to me many many times over the last few years, I challenge you to stand toe to toe with uncertainty. Stand on the edge.  Take that first step. Be your own Indiana Jones.  I promise, everyone will go, “Whew!” right along with you.

DON’T MISS TOMORROW’S FOLLOW-UP POST:

So What Does Indiana Jones Have To Do With Art?

Comment (2)

Anyone who has ever been awakened at 2:30 AM by her husband's alarm clock, and then again at 3:30 AM by a puppy who needs to go outside will agree with me on this. Morning should not be considered morning until the sun is up. So, since I should still be sleeping, it isn't yet Thursday so I can still post a Wednesday WIP without feeling guilty for being "late".

After several discussions with David and Lois Lavery at The Gift Gallery in Tappahannock, VA, we have reached an agreement on consigning works to be displayed and for sale at their store. I am really excited about this because their shop has wonderful, unique items that aren't found elsewhere around town.  They are strong believers and supporters of fair trade and David and Lois have selected beautiful pieces to offer for sale. I feel very fortunate to be showing works with very talented people from around the world.

I'm also a bit nervous about this, but I'll be at The Gift Gallery on Friday, November 5 and Tuesday, November 9 from 10 AM - 12 NOON. David and Lois are hosting me as a guest artist and I'll be working on my painting, "Its A Marshmallow World"  at the shop.

I've never worked publicly and as I told David, I tend to "zone out" when I'm painting and its always been hard for me to come back to reality when someone is talking to me. Ask my Mom - I drove her nuts as a teen with brush in hand!  "JENNIFER, LOOK AT ME. LOOK AT ME... ARE YOU HEARING ME?"   "uh-huh"  (not)  The aftermath was never pretty.  Let's hope that those who do come in and happen to see me painting will be more understanding than a Mom who wants chores done.

So, here it is, far far from being completed. There are so many details to get to, new things to add, and I may change that blue background- not sure on that yet.

Still looking pretty "flat", but not to worry, all those things aren't just floating around on the canvas.  That's part of the fun of painting- adding highlights and shadows and getting that 3D look.

What else would be cool to add to this?  Suggestions?  Go for it!

Comment (0)