Oil and Water

Over the last few months I have started getting back into painting. As with many things in life, I dropped it in order to commit more time to “more important things”. I am wishing now that I hadn’t. It’s not coming back to me as quickly as I think it should.

All areas of my skill set are in deep need of revitalization. I find myself in a horrible cycle of inspiration, attempted application, followed by frustration. I have decided to devote a fixed amount of time per week (if not daily) to practicing and researching techniques. If I’m not painting or drawing, then I will either watch some painting demonstrations or read a bit of my art theory books. At the very least I can gesso some canvas and have things prepared so when I do get around to painting all my minor tasks will be completed.

I have started taking photos to use as reference material and using the GIMP to create a composite image to use for a reference. I am supremely grateful for the Meet the GIMP website and the podcasts provided. Without them I would not have the understanding to effectively use this wonderful program which has been extremely helpful in imagining how I want things placed on canvas.

At this point I haven’t been satisfied with showing my work to anyone, but I hope to have some pieces displayed on the website in the coming months. I tend to be a little impatient with myself on things so this has also been a great way to try and find my “comfort zone” again. I am making headway and am starting to find it more relaxing the more I do it.

Of course the wine doesn’t hurt either…

~ by Preston on January 29, 2009.