painting again

I haven't painted anything since my germination painting some time ago. Seemed like all my creativity had dried up. Even my designs were rehashes of old territory. As much as I dislike the dry spells, I've come to accept them, well, more so than I used to. And it's always a relief to find fresh water in the well (usually when I'm not expecting it). New designs have leapt into my sketchbook and even the start of a new painting:

Here's the outline which I started on Tuesday. I always get nervous about applying paint after this stage. Such a nice outline could take a bad turn and eventually wind up in the garage (the "land of misfit paintings").

But after the first layer of watered down acrylics, I am still optimistic about this one. There is a penciled in lion face in the background which, in a process unknown to me at this time, should become integrated into the painting.

I dare not  breathe a sigh of relief that my creativity dry spell has been completely broken quite yet. It has taken me by surprise. I had forgotten how wholly consuming the process is. Food and friends suddenly become optional or even impositions in this realm. And as for the children....they can fend for themselves- right? There are things not to like about being in this place.

I've also noticed a pattern for me emerging, that creativity surges can be brought on or linked to people. This time seemingly brought by a visitor from a greener, forested, northern coastal land. So what can I say? Thank you Father. I'll ride these waves as long as I can. 

Comments

[Heidi Renee]

I think you should call it "Lucy" - we have just finished Prince Caspian in time for the movie on Friday and I just love how Lucy is the true heart that sees Aslan before anyone else.

Beautiful colors.

[Sue]

'ello! That painting is something awesome. I loves it.

[cheryl]

Heidi,
I am so looking forward to seeing Prince Caspian! However, as much as I love the Narnia stories I don't think this is completely Aslan. There's a bit of a lion theme going on apart from the chronicles. Maybe it's just in the air. Something that's speaking in many people's spirits.

I see what you mean about Lucy. And that is a lovely interpretation. I'm still waiting to see how it turns out.

Sue,
Thanks for visiting! I'm not sure which painting it is you like, the one I linked or the one I'm working on. The one I'm working on has just come out of a real bad ugly stage, which I should have photographed, this evening. But it's back on track, but still incomplete.

[Jill Smith]

Hi, l love your painting design, its going to be beauiful.
Could you help me as l have gone back to acrylics after doing art quilts and other creative things. Year's ago i used oils so acrylics are new to me and l am worried about the pencil marks showing through the paint, is there a way to get rid of them somehow,
Jill

[cheryl]

Jill,
I try to erase as I go, but if there are still some visible marks, it doesn't bother me too much. I don't paint professionally or anything though. By the way, I do decorate fabric too. Some of my stuff is on my rather neglected craft blog ocotillo.typepad.com/thecraftmonster. If you have any other questions I will be happy to answer them the best I can.
Cheryl

[brenda e]

oh cheryl, i like this soooo much.

[Sue]

Cheryl. Both of them are pretty awesome (I love the colours on the one you linked to) but it's this one that just resonates so much with me. Trees are kinda my thang, and the colours here are so soft and heart-ish :)