Unexpected events led to this piece. A piece was lost and then it was found and suddenly I had this giant blank oil canvas without a plan. It was like a huge terrifying ocean. I wasn’t sure where I would go. Usually with a big painting I have a framework or some parameters that I’m working with but in this case I set out with just one prerequisite: it has to be oil. Oil is, of course, an entirely different partner from acrylic. Acrylic is quick and straightforward whereas oil can be haughty and recalcitrant. Oil can give you everything or it can devolve into a dispiriting mess. Oil must be coaxed. It must be wooed. It takes so much more mental energy. One has to be “up for it” and have long stretches of time to devote to it. It was scary and maddening at times but by listening, waiting and trying again (instead of forcing and insisting which is high risk) I got to a new country. Depth and dimension are defined by the distinction between foreground and background. How far have I come? I see something up ahead. I’m going somewhere.
- Subject Matter: abstract seascape