Sometimes I’ll have an idea stewing in my head but I can’t quite pull it together. One of the tricks I’ll try on myself to bring it into realization is to put on some pressure. So, I committed to live painting at a local open mic night that my musician friend, Symphony, hosts. Not only that, but there was a gallery deadline Saturday night that I decided I should have it done by as well. And I did it! I may still add a few details here and there, but it was close enough to "finished" to submit and I have a favorite new painting.
It began last Tuesday. I started on PhotoShop trying to decide on a concept after telling my friend I'd come out to paint. I had some leftover references I didn’t get the chance to use from my “Perspectives” series that were part of what was floating in my brain for the last couple months. I started to play around with those, but I also knew I wanted to start integrating landscapes since I’ve loved painting them so much lately. So I cut some of my recent photos from Colorado too. I ran through a number of concepts that I just wasn’t 100% feeling. I went to sleep and thought I might have a better go after some rest.
I got to work right when I woke up because it takes a bit of prep time to get ready for a live painting. The second concept I came up with was a winner! I loved the colors so much and I was excited all day to start painting. I was glad I didn’t settle the night before.
But first, more planning. I’m a plan-a-holic and pretty technical. Especially live painting, I have a better time and have a better product if I know exactly what I’m getting into. I put my reference to scale and plotted measurements at each of the points of the geometric shape. This way when I started, I could simply use my t-square, mark my points, and place my tape. I also went to the printer to print a hard reference on 11”x17” cardstock (larger so I can see more details, and cardstock because it’s not flimsy) and transferred all my measurements. Throughout the day as I was gathering my materials, I was thinking about my plan of action. I decided to cut out the imagery in the middle of the cubes during this time and to make the canvas larger.
With all my ducks in a row, I packed my car with my painting-to-go bag, my folding easel, my light stand with a couple can lights, and a 24”x30” canvas that I had toned with a base coat of purple.
I showed up and got to work.
I worked from 9pm-1:30am and got a really great start, but I hadn't even started on the details and that's where I put most of my time. I brought it back into my studio and began the nitpicking under all my lights.
By Saturday, I finally felt good about it. I painted my top coat on the background, removed the tape, and cleaned up my lines. I submitted my application with an hour to spare. I'm always applying to opportunities that feel out of my league because you never know, right? And I learn a lot and push myself in the process.
I love the paintings that start in a live setting like this because they also hold those memories for me as well. It's awesome to be able to socialize while working, my friends really wouldn't see me so much otherwise! I'm so good at hiding away in my apartment studio :D
Symphony snapped this rare picture of us and our friend, Ash, I thought I'd share as well. I'm on the right!
I spent Sunday recovering and cleaning up the mess that I made, yesterday I caught up with emails, and I'm back today! Next on my plate are ten 3"x3" mini paintings for a Miniature Art Show. New ideas are spinning!
Do any of you have any suggestions for a title for this new piece?
Thanks for looking!
