Still taking classes with the fabulous Michael Gadlin. i had to take some time off thanks to illness but it's ok as Michael is getting ready for not one but two new shows coming up. However, i am still creating on my own, taking in all that he has taught me. What's has been fabulous about going for lessons in his studio is watching his work progress until he feels it's done. i feel blessed to watch art happening before my eyes.
Michael had 4 very large pieces hung on the walls and was working on each of them at different times. When i came this particular time, he added a new piece on the floor. It is massive and beautiful. My favorite piece to date. And yes, he is standing on it.
After setting up my supplies, i sat watching him create and snapping photos. i asked all about the mediums, the reasons why behind the piece, and what he was thinking. Have you ever been to a museum and wanted to ask an artist his thoughts? Imagine doing that as the art is happening.
i admit i was fascinated with him walking on the piece. But it makes sense, Art comes within and he was pouring himself into the art.
Michael told me how he was inspired by me and it was reflected in this piece. While the piece is completely his own, things we talked about pushed him in new ways. It was so much fun to stand in front of this and take pics of my favorite areas.
Remember this photo? This is me set up to go working on a blank canvas. This day was about starting from scratch, letting go, and Michael watching me work to guide me. i was scared and exhilirated to start!
i really wanted to stay loose so i made a conscious decision to do this piece mostly left handed. i am a VERY right handed person so this would force me to let go of too much thought and trust my instincts.
and i did let go
trusted my instincts
i did do a few areas right handed
filling in
and loving every minute of it
While i could leave it in black & white, this is to become the base of something else, filling in with color and all kinds of collage pieces. Michael and i were pleased with my progress, my taking risks, and letting go.
i set that piece aside to dry before doing a working varnish layer, readying it for the next steps. When i looked up, i noticed this scene before me. Michael utterly lost in his work like i was.
i knew that i wanted to start another piece and had this idea in my head that just wouldn't leave. It was begging to be put down on canvas and i willingly obliged. i didn't have the full idea but once again trusted that the direction would appear in layers.
After i got my thoughts out, i began sealing the piece knowing that some of the smearing would occur. i did it on purpose, getting the effect i wanted.
Once i finished sealing it, getting ready for the next layers, i decided the piece was complete. It needed to stay black & white. Michael whole-heartedly agreed with me. i just need to put on the final varnish and ready it for hanging.
and here's a peek at the progress of the other piece. It's still in the works but i am ever so excited at the direction it is heading. Needless to say, but i will say it anyway, i LOVE art, painting, and taking classes with my mentor and fellow artist friend.
