Thursday, January 20, 2011

consistency...

Consistency is my mantra. It's our path to getting on the road to be the best we can be. It gives us an advantage, a head start. It takes away much of the angst about our work. If we work consistently, we gain a strong base to work from. What seemed difficult last year is now our familiar playground. Gaining technique and knowledge about what we do, allows us to head into the unknown and discover things we didn't even know were there. I made a painting about two months ago. It never really spoke my language, but it was a good exercise in color and form. The painting is below.



this is mixed media on board, 48x38. It sat in a corner drying until about a month ago when I just couldn't stand to look at it anymore - I moved it next to my workspace and started cleaning my brushes on it each time I painted. It started to interest me about a week ago. It had finally become unknown territory again. As I was finishing work yesterday I started to work on it. Two hours later I had finished a piece that spoke my language. It's the piece below. Because this is a large work it is hard to get a very good photo of it, but you can get a general idea. Much of the detail doesn't show up.



This painting is one that found its way because of consistency. It finally gave back and became a true visual diary for me. One of those gifts for showing up everyday. And because this experience isn't exclusive to me, I was thrilled to read Bridgette Guerzon's blog this morning and learn of her recent experience of consistently showing up and reaping the rewards. Definitely visit her blog and see her gorgeous work. Hope you are all working hard and reaping the rewards!

17 comments:

Lynn said...

I love the finished piece. And the lesson: just keep working at it and eventually things will fall into place.

Daryl said...

As always I find it fantastic to see these paintings evolve ..

~Babs said...

The reward for showing up:
Your Voice; definitely speaking YOUR language.
Aaah Jeane, it's a true delight coming here and being 'let in' on what you do. Thanks!
(and thanks for the link,,,I know I'll want to check it out)

Annie said...

Show up every day.....totally with you on that. So is the new piece finished or still in progress?

bridgette said...

thanks jeane for your comment and link! I agree, consistency is the key. And determination and a little stubborness thrown in too. :) Or maybe it is faith. Faith that when we keep at it, things will fall into place.
Wondeful work as always!

Ghislaine BRUNO said...

Thank you for this lesson and for your exciting paintings.Lack of consistency is certainly the most difficult obstacle I have to deal with, more than technical skill issues.

brbulka.g said...

Hello ... very nice abstract ... and it seems a little sadness and memories begin to browse the sun ... I see a picture ... nice ... :-)

Jeane said...

hello Lynn, yes, I agree - just keep pushing :)

good morning Daryl, thank you xxo

thank you Babs, yes, and I think it is important to make that distinction, that each of us has our own language! :)

Hi Annie, well, for now the piece is finished - it spoke and I listened and that's good for now! xxo

good morning Bridgette and the idea of stubborness is definitely part of the package! so true! xxo

hello Ghislaine, thank you so much, so glad you stopped by :)

hi brbulka, yes, it definitely could be about missing the sun, glad you like it :)

Maggie Neale said...

Ah Jeane, interesting evolution of a painting. yes, consistent to your style and voice and very exciting, but the under painting could stand alone and speak to others. My word for the year/season is flexibility and I am spreading my wings under that. Happy creations!

Jeane said...

hello Maggie, what a wonderful word! flexibility - that should serve you well! :)

The Painted Lady said...

As always.. your advice, like your work, speaks to me.

~Babs said...

I love what you're doing in the sidebar!!!
(stiching)

Kelly M. said...

obstinacy sometimes wins the day -- love the fact that you used the surface to clean the brushes!

luciana mangione said...

Your works are BEAUTIFULL and you are a marvellous person ! Thanks for sharing with us
lu

Jeane said...

ah, Painted Lady! so good to see you back here, hope life is wonderful for you xxo

good morning Babs, yes, I'm working on a small project - a diversion to clear my head for awhile :)

obstiancy is a good word also Kelly - I like that - thanks for coming by :)

welcome lu, so glad you like the work - thank you :)

Seth said...

Consistency is key Jeane. Your painting is proof of that!

Jeane said...

good morning Seth, thank you and I know you practice this in your work also :)