Monday, December 7, 2009

From the Forest: Some Trees, Some Rain, a Few Square Feet

Chapter three of, Monsters and Grand Spaces of Paint. I realized that one of the things that happens when painting large is that when you rest for the day, it may not look as though you've painted much of anything. But, when looking at the square footage of painted area, it turns out to be significant and acceptable for the day. Have you had this experience? It really has been a brain tickling journey as I paint up close, get lost, step back and see that it's okay after all; or, step back and see that more layers are needed. I keep thinking that I'll be done with this canvas soon, but now, no sé. From the forest...I see some trees. And, the Tucson area is about to get a ginormous storm tonight with high winds, snow on the mountains and rain. Wow. We're not used to all of this cold weather, but we're loving the opportunity to wear Icelandic wool sweaters today.

12 comments:

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

Forgive me for not commenting. I am doing my blog in an internet computer center in Florence, while Steven waits. It's either dinner time, or time to go and sit the show, but this painting is magnificent, and you should be here with me. Maybe next time. There are some wonderful American painters here. I met a woman show does fabulous, large abstract work yesterday. She's from California and has studied with Bob Burridge -- one of my dreams.

Ciao,

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxBarbara

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see the finished product. It looks really interesting.
Jean

Melinda said...

Hi Barbara,
It's great to hear from you. Wow. Thank you so much for your comment. Wow, again. You're commenting from Florence...whoo-hooo!! I'm so glad you're having the time of your life and I look forward to seeing more of your photos and hearing about your adventure.
Ciao!

Melinda said...

Hi Jean,
I'm right there with you. I can't wait to see how this turns out too!

Thank you for visiting.

cohen labelle said...

Melinda,
This is so beautiful, every square inch of it. I think you're having a love affair with it and you don't want it to end! So take your time. No need to rush. We live in an age of rush. Art making should be a break from that.
Btw I think we may be getting some of your ginormous storm. Yep, I think it's headed our way! Should I duck? What about these Icelandic woolies? They sound exotic. My daughter swears by merino wool. It seems to keep her warm as she is sensitive to the cold.
Be warm, cosy and well, dear friend.
xo
Marcia

Melinda said...

Hi cohenlabelle,
Oh, how very kind of you. I think I am having a bit of a conversation with this beasty and I will take your advice and not rush. You're right that we should take our time in this one, happy area of our lives.

I'd like to encourage you to duck. The storm is very powerful: high winds, lots of rain and snow. If you ever have the chance to own an Icelandic wool sweater, you'll be happy, warm and toasty--even without a coat on when outside. You can click on the link to learn more.

I've found that I must keep mine in the coat closet as it makes the living room uncomfortably hot when draped over the couch... ;)

Jeane Myers said...

I believe, that if we let them, the paintings that is, they have a life of their own and tell us when they are finished, so yes, I have had that experience, just yesterday - the painting not coming together, so I worked, worked, worked and then connected three points and it said 'finished' - I'm always so amazed when it says finished! hope the storm didn't do any damage - we are in the deep freeze still - in the teens at night - ugh! :)

Jeffrey J. Boron said...

Very exciting Melinda and its looking good...I always find it a great thrill going large after a lot of smaller ones. So many possiblites and the canvas seems endless...

We are in the grips of a cold snap in my neck of the woods as well but cold and sunny is wonderful after a month of the dark & wet drearys. But it's hard on the old plein airists =;-((

Jeffrey

Melinda said...

Hi Jeane,
You're so right. There is that magical moment when a painting seems to say, done. We can't really rush it, can we?

Luckily, the storm didn't do any damage around us. There is a huge eucalyptus tree next to my studio that I sometimes worry about, but it was fine. However, I heard that there were winds up to 75 mph in the Tucson area!

Brrrrrrr! Stay warm! That has got to be challenging.

Melinda said...

Thank you, Jeffrey! I have been getting lost which results in momentary panic, but I'm determined to get to the other side.

Oh, dear. I hope you have some great woolies as you go a plein airing! I think you're brave!!

Karen said...

I can send you some sweaters. :)

Forge ahead with the painting--it looks great! If it makes you feel better, I get that feeling of Where did all that painting time go even when I'm working on a 9" x 12" sometimes!

Melinda said...

Thank you, Karen. ;) If taking a couple of sweaters off your hands could change the weather for you, I'd go for it! I wish that you could get a break from this big storm. It must be tough on you, especially since it probably keeps you indoors.

Forging ahead, indeed. The more I work on it, the more I see what a challenge it is. What was I thinking?!

Hope you get an Indian Summer before January and February!!