Post #2 : Stay connected
Create space for connection
I am a direct painter and on top of that, a fast painter. As I am painting flowers which is such an epheremal subject, I often jump and rush to the painting often missing the drawing step. I am in a rush and I was not noticed for a while I was missing an other important step : to connect with my subject.
So thanks to Katheline Sperenza who reminded the important of slowing down.
Why to connect ?
I think it is about respecting yourself and being honest to the futur viewers of the coming painting. A painting is an hand-made and soul-made product and it should be made not in speed way as a machine but with heart.
Awareness
I wanted to share with you some good tricks to increase the work. As we know, we need to be aware and present a great help is asking yourself questions along the process :
How do you feel today ? Feel tense ? à take a cup of tea and go in front of your subject.
Where come from the light ? Do you like it this way or do you prefer the light in front/away of your subject à Test it, make a change if necessary.
Does it feel good to you ? or something feel strange, if yes à test some change, add/take away an object. Step back, and now is that feel better ?
What part do you like in your subject ? and what do you want to show to the viewer ? Is this particular petals who receive the light, this rose amongs a bouquet. When you define it, make sure you will attract viewers on this point. Katherine Speranza said « if everything is important, so nothing is important » so make sure there is something interesting in your painting. In other words share what you did like, your taste, your sensibility and so who you are.
And so on… you can add all questions on your feeling and i twill help to connect and feel.
These questions should be answer not only while setting up your still life but also during the painting session to stay focus and keep the intention.