The ugly middle
(but not like you think…)
Many artists talk about the ugly middle stage of a painting. It’s the time when you are past the exciting first layers, where everything is possible and you paint with freedom and abandon, it’s pure fun. Then from one moment to the next, you look at your artwork and you think ‘what have I done?’ ‘what now?’ it’s all just a mess. Or what is actually worse for me and the way I paint, which is intuitive and with expression, I like things in the early layers and then start to try and control it, not wanting to loose what I just made…and here’s the kicker:
I always hit the ugly stage of a series!
See when I start a new series, I’m full of excitement. A new palette, different marks and a whole lot of play, fun things start to happen and I’m full of curiosity, not expecting a certain outcome, I’m just along for the ride.
BUT, then once I’m about 5-7 pieces into the new work, the initial feeling of play slowly gets lost, after all now I know what I’m doing and I’ve proven that I can do it more than once, I want to create more work in that feeling, control the outcome and BANG, I’m in the ugly middle.
See these artworks above, are from my new series, it’s all about my obsession with FRESH AIR. The feeling of the cool air or the sunshine on your face, being out in nature, going for a walk with your family or friends and having a good chat, or simply walking by yourself and letting your thoughts wander. I love walking and being outside, I think it can cure almost anything (mood wise that is).
I love how they turned out, still very expressive, with movement and interesting marks but also distinctly landscape, which is a new direction for me.
Now I have to ‘battle’ with a deadline, to have the new work ready for shipping to Melbourne for the Affordable Art Fair.
