THE MUSES THAT CONSUME ME

 October 9, 2009

Elk Afternoon 9 x 12 Oil Plein Air Colorado

   In case you were wondering why I have been so silent for a month, let me bring you up to date. Two weeks in Montana, two big shows in Colorado, lots of late summer plein air painting, and some additional marketing has kept me away from the computer….and then I damaged my camera. It was all my fault. I fell amongst some sharp rocks while hiking in Montana, but, let me tell you, I felt totally helpless without a camera. New work couldn’t be photographed, submissions couldn’t be made, photos to use as reference for paintings were marginal at best and with these economic hard times hitting me straight in the face, finding cash for a new camera was difficult. But, with the help of the internet (thank heavens I didn’t fall on my computer) I found a reasonably priced camera quite similar to the old one. The learning curve was marginal and I was up and running in a matter of hours, not days. 

Summer Bridge 8 x 10 Oil Plein Air Montana

   Over a month ago I was lamenting about getting back into studio painting and feeling winds of change in my creative right brain. The month passed with the speed of light and I find myself in the same position today. If you think about the speed of light and the theory of relativity you will understand this phenomenon. Nothing seems changed in time or space to me, but by gosh, the world has moved on a whole month! So I must tackle the demons once again.

 

Movin’ Cattle 9 x 12 Oil Plein Air Colorado

   I think artists go through this all the time – over commitment creates a hurried life style not appropriate for creative growth. Artists need meditation, concentration and contemplation. Through this mental focusing, we recognize and meet the challenges of our own creative truth. 

Sweet Spot 8 x 16 Oil Plein Air Colorado

 

Ranch Creek 12 x 9 Oil Plein Air Montana

   With snow falling outside (yes, here in the Denver area in early October!), I begin to feel the womb of winter encircling me. Winter is always a contradiction – I don’t really like the cold, short days, but, with the garden put to rest and my longing just to wander out for some plein air painting over, I find my studio warm and welcoming. Winter months bring large blocks of time in the studio, accelerated growth, many enlightened studio moments and a plethora of paintings! So with winter approaching early this year, perhaps I will be able to slay the demons and find myself contented with my work before winter really settles in.

   I left you’re here with the Iris and Dunes painting:

 On the Easel Iris and Dunes D 20 x 30 Oil

 

Iris and Dunes 20 x 30 Oil

Today, Iris and Dunes looks like this. Can’t really say it’s finished, but with a few “hits” here and there, it will be as done as it’s gonna get. 

   I left you a month ago with this painting – incomplete and awkward. 

On the Easel Grassy Pond 16 x 20 C Oil

   Today, though still incomplete, it’s not giving me headaches anymore.

 

Estuary End 16 x 20 Oil

   Many more paintings are taking shape in my mind, the snow falls heavily outside while I sit here warmed by the fireplace writing of the muses consuming my attention. Thanks for spending this time with me and allowing me to unload my thoughts through writing this blog. You are important to me, though I don’t even know your names. Please feel free to comment or add insight. Let me know about you and your ideas too.

   Our Annual Studio Open House is next weekend, Friday, October 16, 2009 from 4:30 to 10 p.m. and you are all invited. Email me for directions, please, as Google and MapQuest have it all wrong!

   Wish me good painting on one more fling of plein air painting in Colorado when I join the American Impressionist Society for a workshop with Scott Christensen! Should be challenging and just what the doctor ordered for me. Check Scott out here I know you will be impressed..

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   Thanks for your support and interest. Remember, you can make comments, ask questions and even suggest topics for me to discuss in future blogs. Don’t forget to tell your friends who might be interested in my blog and web site. 

Ciao!

Ginger