The Creative Process and all its meandering methods of resolution...

     Here it is April 12, 2012, more than 3 months since my last post.  Well, I have been busy -- and ever so frustrated with some of my work.  I recently read a comment by a writer on the creative process  ( paraphrase here ' cause I cannot recall the author's name) who, in reviewing a book on said subject, remarked that the one aspect of creative work that always seems to be left out of the dialogue is... the level of frustration one experiences during the development of an artwork- and its necessity. That comment hit the nail on my head anyway 'cause I have been stewing for 3 months over a couple of pieces that mark , not so much a directional turn in my work, but a shift in method and means.
     As you might recall, the last time I posted I included an image of a large canvas in which I intended to explore working with oil and graphite and to try to get some of the luminosity onto the canvas which seems so effortless on paper.  Well, that image was the first stage of a painting that then sat for almost 3 months because I didn't know where or how to move on it. Eventually I was able to develop it with the idea that it would be a canvas version of a visionary drawing I did in 1995.  I should have known better.  Every time I try to "copy" one of my works from a previous cycle, I get log jammed--- The work has to speak to the present- and the future, so, inevitably, after sitting for weeks, I was able to move it into present time- thanks largely to an encaustic piece I just finished, called New World Rising
   

So, here you see the progression and, hopefully, the development of an idea that may work its way into a meaningful and beautiful expression of my deep feelings concerning our New World Rising. When I began this piece I was  uncertain as to how it would develop and what direction the imagery would take.  I am happy to say that  the painting is now conversing with me and the dialogue has begun! 

     As regards the encaustic piece that I posted that same day, here is its current version- not quite finished, but definitely on its way--- after countless layers and scraping !