Process stories.

My new process has to be about exploring. I am looking for something. I need to set up good conditions to allow me to come into my studio space everyday and do that.

First of all I think it’s important to abandon any thought of making finished paintings. For the time being everything is about learning things. I want to work on several paintings at once to get some momentum going and learn quicker.

I’m going to work on lots of small boards all the same shape. Then something is consistent and I can look at them together and see where I’m going. The boards can be stacked up in a pile and take up less vertical space than canvasses so they don’t get overwhelming.

I’m probably going to need a lot of paint so I’m going back to System 3 acrylic which I can buy in big tubs. I want to get more into colour mixing so the limited range won’t be a problem. I want to keep the paint thick so I can see what I’m doing, but with a touch of water to make it glide across the board more than I’ve got it to do before. My tray wet palette will help keep it moving.

To encourage me to work on them together, I have set up my folding table with space for three boards. I also have my easel if I’d rather stand up. I’ve moved things around to make it easier to come in and out of the space and I’ve tried to improve the lighting.

Just as importantly, I am giving myself permission to take the time and space I need to make discoveries about me and my art.