Friday, January 18, 2013

Deepening the Mystery


Sweet Evening
12x16
Oil on Canvas

What makes me want to paint?  There are days when I stand in front of the easel, lost in thought, as I scoop the paint up on my brush and onto the canvas.  I can do this for hours, not realizing just how much time is going by.  For me, it's a process of entering into the painting itself and seeing where it will go.  Most of the time, I'm surprised at the result.  The painting is rarely what I initially had in mind.

I imagine it is the same for other people, whatever the creative endeavor.  Writing, playing a musical instrument, working in textiles, cooking, building furniture, etc.   We all get lost in the creative process. If I go over a week without painting, I just don't feel "right".  It's what I do.  And I hope to still be painting when I'm 90 years old.

May you all be blessed with enjoying the creative process during 2013!

The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery.
- Francis Bacon



10 comments:

Pat O'Driscoll said...

Beautiful painting Janelle, I like the mood of this, the last dying rays of the sun on the tips of the trees gives a romantic feel to the painting.

Sarah S said...

Beautiful painting, looks effortless! and I agree, being lost in painting is one of the best places to be, especially when the little details naturally work themselves out in paint--that IS a mystery.

Betsy Brock said...

Lovely painting...Sweet Evening..the perfect name, too! I'm sure painting those scenes is a wonderful experience...relaxing and fulfilling, too!

Caroline Simmill said...

I always feel bathed in peace as soon as I enter your blog Janelle. The colours of the early evening are very lovely in this beautiful painting of yours. I agree with you about not feeling right if I go too long without painting. I do prep work for my art tutoring but for some reason it doesn't seem to fill that gap or even touch on the creative spirit side of things.

Janelle Goodwin said...

Pat, Only an artist would notice these small details. I'm not surprised that you did.

Sarah, I visited your blog and was completely mesmerized by what I say. Needless to say, I will be visiting more often.

Betsy, Thank you, and also thank you for being you. I love visiting your blog/home on a daily basis!

Caroline, Your work continuously inspires me. I wish you weren't so far away and across the pond.

susan hong-sammons said...

so beautiful. great to catch up with your work! Happy Painting

neetzy said...

Congratulations on your daughter's wedding. Your consistence is inspiring to me. I've been in a bit of a funk lately, but I'm trying to paint my way out of it.

Celeste Bergin said...

good to see you back to blogging again..this is a lovely painting---love the quote you've chosen too. So true!

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Susan, Thanks for visiting! I always picture you and Karen on wonderful painting adventures.

Hi Neetzy, Yes, painting one's way out of a funk sometimes is the only way:) I do it all the time.

Hi Celeste, I love the fact that you seem to live and breathe art. It's a beautiful thing!

Anita Johnson said...

I totally agree with this. I can be dead tired from the day when something outside grabs my attention and I grab my camera to go take a look. Creating is part of me...sometimes successfully, sometimes not, but i always enjoy the process.