Thursday, June 6, 2013

Fish Plate Makes a Comeback... and other thoughts

Time to Change It Up

Soon we leave to visit our kids in Alaska, and a few weeks later I head to Maine to paint with a friend who organized a painting retreat in a serene waterfront spot north of Portland, ME.   Methinks some new inspiration is in order, since I have seen repeating patterns in my studio set-ups of late!  Note my fondness for a fish plate purchased at an antique shop in St. Simons, GA a few years back. Below is a painting from 18 months ago, followed by recent "fish plate" appearances this year... 

Flower Dance, 24 x 24, 2012 painting

Shimmery, 36 x 36, April 2013


Beach Music, 30 x 24, May 2013




Soft Summer Blues, 24 x 24, June 2013


It is tempting, for me, to paint subjects that I like and which have the added benefit of selling well -- they are familiar and relatively easy to set up and light in my own comfortable studio.  However, as Robert Genn so wisely said in one of his blogs a while back: 

"there's a wider question. Are we, like the local baker, simply making a line of tarts for popular consumption, or are we engaged in something more lofty and significant? "  

Ay yi yi, not wanting to be a tart maker, I'm not sure if I am more "lofty" either!!  While there is certainly something to be said for gaining expertise and understanding in chosen subject matter and concepts, I'm just wanting to shake it up right now, seeking a bit of fresh perspective.  This fish may swim into more paintings, but perhaps in new ways :-)

6 comments:

  1. Love the Genn quote. I bet you are not playing it safe you just happen to love painting something that others love to buy. All of these paintings have some common objects but are each beautifully unique. Your work is inspiring and I look forward to seeing what your future brings.
    Hope your trips are wonderful, fun and safe. And ....inspiring!

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    1. Carol,

      SO nice to hear from you -- I find your blog and observations so true and refreshing! Hoping for a bit of refreshing of my eye and inspiration this summer....

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  2. Just want to say, enjoy your trip and each painting is just gorgeous.

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  3. I do love the quote...I love it when someone makes me think and really consider why I am painting and what!

    I love your work...the soft colors and loose edges are just magnificent.

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  4. Wonderful post Nancy...You are one of the hardest "working" artists that I know and always looking to learn and grow. Love that about you! Look forward to seeing what Maine inspires in you- dress warm:) Have fun!!

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