Choices

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are,  far more than our abilities.”  J.K.Rowling

Oh the decisions we have to make as painters...constant choices on everything! 

What to paint, how to interpret, how to express the message with our tools...if one takes time to actively think about ALL of it, it might be impossible to paint.  Luckily, as we start with the first marks, the dialogue between the painter and the canvas begins, and the painting seems to call out for what is needed.

AND, with oil painting, if one idea doesn't please, it is easy enough to change it!  But that's a decision too.... 

I have been playing with paintings lately, trying always to simplify, and often changing my idea of what it means to simplify-- is it a brevity of strokes, a simple background, lots of negative space, or one simple idea?  The choice each day may be different, but that's what makes this journey worth taking, non?

Red Scarf, 10 x 10

Red Bow, 10 x 10

Alex, for my dear friend Bob, 10 x 10

And oh, so often