Tag Archives: beginners mind

Repeating motifs

Process, ,

Yesterday someone asked me why I paint the same things over and over; why I repeat motifs like flowers, vases, my neighbors’ house, and views of my backyard. The short answer is – I repeat motifs because I am not painting things. I aim to focus on the specific aspects of something that make it interesting to me.

small hydrangea, 6×8″

hydrangea, 10×10″
I worked on this larger painting while also working on “small hydrangea.”

I am communicating light and silence and movement and joy and color. A motif is just the vehicle for how to get there.  Painting … Read more ...

Begin without beginning – an intuitive painting process

Process, Theory, , , , , , ,
oil painting of pink rose in crystal bud vase
quiet light

When I paint, I “begin without beginning.” Another way to say it is to “begin without knowing.” This approach is opposite of the advice to “begin with the end in mind,” or to know where you’re going before you start. I’ve found that this organic, intuitive painting process suits me better than pre-planning every step. I try not to focus too much on the outcome of a painting session.

An artifact, not a painting

Let me explain. This means that I don’t usually actively try to produce a “painting” when I paint, though a painting is the result. … Read more ...