Friday, February 11, 2011

Sharing the Light




No matter how long one pushes pigment... we all come up against walls.... interior barriers that discourage us. I believe that this probably occurs because the act of painting is mostly a solitary process... a process where critical input an insight are rarely present... or sought out, for that matter. Painting is a highly personal act... akin, I think to raising children. We don't wish to be told we are not doing it right... but at the same time we also realize that we in fact aren't doing "something" right.


In today's world, there are many ways to find knowledge to encourage one past these hurdles and plateaux. Self-help books abound... guru workshops can be sought out... painting groups can be formed and joined... local evening classes can be attended. All of these resources can... and do greatly enhance and encourage one's artisic journey.


Blogging has presented a new avenue to share ideas and processes. If used properly... it can be a wonderful artistic "connector"... across the entire world... instantly. It is (usually) a safe place to share... to reach out... to gain encouragement.. to grow in spirit and in confidence. I truly look forward to interfacing with kindred spirits who genuinely are serious about sharing... and growing... together!


I do not surf looking for sites... or seek out Followers. I choose to connect and share with people who by their interests... comments and their sincerity display goals and a work ethic similar to my own. While certain aspects of our work and our processes will continue to be divergent... we seem to run in parallel at least, in our motivation and passion for what we enjoy doing - creating Art!


Recently, I was honoured to be asked to present a demo for a group of artists I have known for many years. I have not been as active in the group over the past decade... having been located in the Maritimes and places distant from the group. I continue to enjoy my connection to the group... both old friends and newer members.


"Sharing the light" does not however... come without its pitfalls and discouragements these days. For the first time in my many years of attending and giving workshops and demos... I face situations where people cringe at the mention... never mind the use of solvents and toxic materials. Often their complaints lead away from the direction intended and can be distracting to the painting process. One should always pay attention to... and be aware of the dangers of prolonged exposure to these hazards... especially in closed quarters. That is a valid concern to be paid attention to! If highly sensitive... avoid situations entirely in favour of water-based materials... and demos!


I demonstrate using no solvents... employing titanium alkyd white and a walnut alkyd medium... both non-toxic quick driers and only shop towels to remove pigments while I paint. In the studio, I clean my bristle brushes with Sunlight Dishwashing Detergent and warm water. Outdoors, I use turps to thin pigments... kerosene to clean my brushes and to add to my white to slow down thickening due to cold temperatures. I keep rags and brushes away from my mouth and wear thin cotton gloves to protect my hands from the cold... and the solvents. At a cost of less than a dollar per pair... they are disposable if soiled. I buy them in packages of ten and always have extras in my box and in my van. All soiled rags are taken immediately to the outside garbage container... not only because of fumes... but more because of the very real possibility of spontaneous combustion causing fire to occur. Linseed oil is well known and feared for this hazard.


Each of us has a unique voice... no matter our experience... or our level of painting expertise. I learn so very much from talking with and watching students work. Having to look at my own process and adapt it to a different viewpoint causes me to think outside of my usual box. Doing the demo at Bark Lake did... I feel encourage most everyone attending. But "letting go" of the demo piece sooner that I would have liked to... sent me home with an "Idea" that encouraged a me to work in an entirely new direction arisng out of that experience. Therefore, I owe the creation of this new piece entirely to the discussion and process that came out of the demo. In this case... "Sharing the Light" resulted in a growth in my own process.


This piece "Minuet d'Hiver"... completed on a larger format 36x 30 inch canvas is certainly derivative in nature to the demo. However , it is plainly evident that it goes beyond the goals and final appearance of the initial piece in terms of form, composition and handling of paint.


I'll leave it to each of "You" to decide and to mull over my ideas and to add your own thoughts and comments if you so wish to. They are always appreciated!


Always being open to new ideas and learning is essential to artistic growth and development at any point in one's journey. Every day and every painting offers an opportunity to grow. Those with an elevated sense of themselves and their abilities cease to grow. Change is necessary ... and good for everyone. Sharing your Light changes the light of others... without diminishing your own.


"None is blinder... than those who will not see! "


Eyes open! Brushes dancing! Sharing!... Good painting to All!

12 comments:

  1. I marvel at your use of color! There is so much to look at in your paintings. I could study them for hours and wonder at every stroke and the decisions behind each one. You have such an effective way of expressing yourself, not only with paint, but with words.

    It is so true, that artistic expression is such a solitary act. I find that principle holds true for my painting as well as my writing. I need to work it out on my own, but I also yearn for input, knowing I will not grow in a vacuum.

    I’ve been looking forward to this post and it’s as edifying as I hoped for. Thank you for stating the exact things I grapple with (except the solvents thing, lol—I use only water :))
    I can’t tell you how much your words of encouragement help. I’m glad you ventured out into the blog-o-sphere!

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  2. Bruce, wonderful work as always. Tomorrow, I must clean my studio. I have a few jars of turps and linseed oil that must be disposed of before there is a problem. I do like walnut oil,I will place an order in on Monday.

    Have a great weekend, and thank you again.

    All the best to you
    Joan

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  3. Hi there Bridget!... Thank "You" for visiting and for leaving those glowing compliments!

    To have another of one's peers offer such praise means a great deal... given that my admiration of your own vast talents in both your painting and writing is deeply felt... and is mutual as well!

    Working "in a vacuum"... is akin to being an "orphan"... alone and unsupported in a sometimes tough and uncaring world. None of us need feel so... knowing that meaningful support and encouragement is just a few taps on our keyboard away.

    "I" am so glad that my post didn't disappoint "You"... and that you found found some food for thought and application to your own very creative world!

    I VERY much look forward to more "conversations"... and sharings in the near future!

    Good Painting... and Writing!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  4. Hi there Joan!... Thanks for visiting and for the gracious comment!

    I am so happy to see you "out there" doing your thing with your graphite wash equipment! The deer piece is exceptionally good!

    The medium that I personally use is walnut alkyd MEDIUM... and NOT OIL! The oil is rather slow drying... great for portrait work... allows for copious corrections. I prefer Daniel Graham's product if yuu can get it!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  5. Awesome post today, Bruce. Sometimes things go without saying but of course, there is always someone who will demur and make an issue and as you said, lead away from the points at hand. Nevertheless, it pleases me endlessly to be amongst those you visit on occasion. Maybe my artist blogger friends see something in me that I don't very often see in myself, much as I'd like to at any rate.

    This piece is beautiful and I especially love that sky!

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  6. Hi there Sherry!... Good to hear from "You" again!

    Thanks for the encouragement to continue the blog. IT does my heart good to know that my own work and ideas might shed a little "Light"... and give encouragement to a fellow artist.

    Your own work... sensitivity and good heart never fail to uplift "Me"... whenever I visit your site! Paint on!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  7. I am seeing a stylized way of working in the lower painting that I haven't seen before in your work and it is quite uplifting. Those trees almost appear to be dancing! Lovely use of colour. Also, thank you for the advice about the walnut alkyd medium. I don't actually use much medium, usually just Gamsol to clean brushes and thin paints a bit. I have been considering experimenting more with mediums but will need to take some time to sit down and just knock out some "test" pieces to understand what effects I can get and what will work for me. I look forward, as always, to your next creation!

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  8. Hi Karen !... Thanks for the visit... and for your encouraging comments and observations!

    "Dancing trees"... that was the intent... guess that I hit the mark! HAHA!!

    Do try the Graham Walnut Alkyd Medium... perfect for your fine work and glazing in oils.When used judiciously... yet sparingly it really does create a nice flow with the pigment... it's non-toxic... AND... is almost completely dried for next day sessions. I used it the demo posted... and the purchaser took it with her... under arm and unprotected next day.

    Glad to continue to chat and to share ideas and encouragement Karen. Your new piece has really picked up momentum... and the drapery backdrop is wonderfully supportive of your subject(s)! Another good one!

    Good Paintng!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  9. Hi Bruce, I love your first painting it really captures the colours in a winter sky so well. The thick snow and trees are lovely too. I found the walnut alkyd medium quite tacky to use, for glazing the paint beaded so for now I have to practise getting used to the medium and how much to use. I think for painting thickly it is giving me no problem at the moment. Your post is very interesting Bruce and we do need to keep working in our own way yet it is also interesting to hear the opinions of others too. I believe blogging friends do encourage and inspire us to share and work hard. Thank you for your comment on my post regarding abstracts I will respond later when I have more time. I am drawing water reflections at the moment!

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  10. Hi Caroline!... Glad to hear from "You"!

    Thanks for the gracious comment about the demo piece! Working with the same time constraints as outdoor painting has agreat deal to do with creating the freshness you described.

    We must ALWAYS as artists keep working in "our own way"... but always be open to the power of suggestion and criticism to balance our approach with.

    Adding a "new" tool such as the walnut alkyd medium to our process always involves assuming that there will be a period of adjustment and a learning curve... if we wish to pursue its use further.

    The instructions... "au verso" on the container helped me. If beading occurs... over dilution is the problem. This can be ameliorated and remedied by gradually adding colour to your mix... until the beading ceases.

    Worked for "Me"... and I am thrilled to add it to my own arsenal of "tricks"! HAHA!! Good luck with it... and the water reflections!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  11. Bruce, I've had a great wander through your beautiful paintings of recent (I even saw one on Barbara Muir's blog!) and I keep coming back to the one at the top of this post - it's an absolute gem!!!

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  12. Hello Linnyland!... Missed reading your comment somehow... but found it while in the editing mode.HAHA!

    Thank "You" for visiting... and for the generous comment offered my demo piece.

    I'm not aware of Barbar Muir's blog...must check it out!

    Spring's on the way...we hope!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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