Savoring the moment

Painting in Algonquin Park

In the April 13th bi-weekly Painter’s Keys post, the late Robert Genn’s blog explored the positive feedback artists perceive when they are painting. To read the full story go to Painters Keys.

I experience a lift while painting. Not all my efforts are successful of course. But oh my, especially when painting in the field, when I step back for the n’th time and see my painting coming to life, I feel a rush. In fact, I have been caught doing a two-step to the jazz floating from my car radio when I believed that no one was watching.

After many years painting plein air I have learned to avoid copying exactly what I see. I settle on a narrative and try to rearrange things to develop a composition. I purposely paint in a circuitous way so that good things may happen on the canvas unintentionally. Sometimes I surprise myself.

Back in my studio, the euphoria has worn off. The challenge is to rekindle the inspiration with minor adjustments while preserving the moment. This is the final step in the process.
 
Charlie
April 2021