“Autumn Reflections” 40″ x 40″ oil on canvas – $3,000
I like to paint in a series – the same theme for several paintings with variations of sizes, compositions and colors, but when I notice that I’ve stopped being really interested in what I’m painting and I keep repeating myself, I switch directions. Sometimes I change my medium, going between acrylics, watercolors or oils and often I change images – landscapes to florals or gardens.
I have seen too many artists doing “formula” paintings with repetitive styles and images that I want to avoid that tendency any way I can. Some people advise artists to not switch directions with mediums and images once they have developed a “signature” style, but I have mixed feelings about that advice. I think it is more important to have some variety, but to maintain a balance.
TOO MANY OR TOO FEW STYLES
I have attended some solo shows that appeared to be group shows because there were so many different styles, techniques, mediums and images. I also have attended shows where it looked as if the artists mixed up several buckets of colors and dipped into them equally with almost the same compositions in each painting. Balance in both cases would have made the shows stronger.
NEW SERIES – ASPEN GROVES
My last series of paintings was based on rivers and river reflections and the painting above is the next to the last in that series. I’m currently working on a series of aspen tree groves inspired by a recent photographic trip to Santiam Pass and Black Butte Ranch. The weather was warm, the trees just turning gold and the shadows were strong. I was so mesmerized and energized by the scene and the whispering sound of the breeze in the leaves that I’m already finishing the third painting of this series.
