Progress!

Further to the past year of painter’s block, I recently read a book review discussing a Two-week reset, “a challenge to take on before we’ve worked on our creative blocks”. It suggests working in small increments (you eat an elephant one bite at a time!) Also not allowing judgement or editing. With the holiday break & nothing to lose, I dove in

I started in a sketchbook (see below), first with a trad floral sketch (1). Next day I tried to capture the layout of words on a large and a small board as thumbnails (2) for a vague idea I had. I knew it would be titled Sesquipedalian. I was interested in using the small terms – Big Words – to describe the title. I considered how words might be lost in the effects of colours, shapes, design – yet still be there (3 & 4).

On Day 5 I worked on colour choices. It was interesting to slow down, develop ideas & still have time to think, rethink and adjust, while maintaining interest.

And next day I started painting, simply & in small bites. I had time to adjust, no pressure to finish. One day I realized I wanted a subtle 3D effect for the letters. Another, I knew big words had to be inscribed on those large format small words. Looking at this work could be an immersive experience.

A few adjustments & Sesquipedalian was almost done. Added a touch of teal, painted the sides in lively green, writing big words on in grey.

A little more than two weeks to conceive & paint a work that kept me interested, intrigued, amused: slowing down while raising my interest & commitment. Paradisiacal!