I’ve found a freedom in my painting since coming to Santa Fe 20 years ago.
Spending much time in my studio has allowed me to develop increased technical skills. In the past I have shied away from painting portraits, animal legs, hands, hoofs and other subject matter that I considered difficult. Einstein said that “Imagination is more important than knowledge”. However without the technical knowledge of color mixing, working on canvas, and using mixed media, I couldn’t have had an avenue for my imagination.
Painting in a variety of genres has helped create a cross-fertilization of ideas. Abstract feeds representationalism, realism feeds impressionism, and watercolor feeds oils and vice versa.
Creativity comes out of the brush onto the surface. Revisions, modifications, seeing something new and color tweaks makes the work grow and mutate. Mystery happens. It’s exciting.
Every painting session can’t end on a high note. One still has to continue the journey.
Even with all that’s been said, sometimes it gets lonely in the studio but art is a way of connecting.