Sometimes artists begin a piece with a clear vision. They have a well-thought-out direction, know exactly where they want the painting to go, and are able to follow that path with confidence. This painting was definitely not one of those cases.
In fact, I had originally started an entirely different painting on this canvas - one I was mostly happy with - but decided to “push it just a little farther.” Bad choice. Several inappropriate words were said as I somehow managed to take what had been a perfectly “mostly OK” painting and turn it into something I wanted to chuck out the window.
Frustrated that I had second-guessed my original design, and thoroughly unhappy with what was in front of me, I began mixing the paint already on the canvas into something circular in nature. Circles have always fascinated me, as they are both organic and geometric at the same time. In moments of artistic struggle, I often find myself returning to the shape of a circle.
As I continued artistically smearing paint across the canvas, I realized the palette had become rich with warm, autumn-like colors. To me, this painting reflects the transformation of summer’s vibrant greens into the rich golds, oranges, and reds of fall - all while drawing energy from the sun at the center of everything.
Most of the descriptions accompanying the artwork on my website are written in a polished, professional tone. This painting, however, is a testament to the wonderfully imperfect circumstances in which it was created. I’m not perfect, and neither is this painting - and perhaps that’s exactly the point. Let us celebrate the beautifully imperfect beings we are.