Restoration

Once I had the canvas repairs in place, the indentations on the front of the painting needed attention. The first step was to remove the varnish. At this point I am fortunate to have a good memory. Having done several murals around the same time as this series I assumed the varnish would be of the MSA UVL sort. This means it is oil based… to remove the varnish one uses mineral spirits or turpentine. Applying some high quality paint thinner on the surface it became evident my assumption had been correct. I have since switched to Polymer based varnish for work destined to hang in interior settings. Carefully removing the softened varnish with some rags I noticed some residue on the edges. Upon closer inspection I wished I had chosen a rag which had not been part of a red sweatshirt. Applying more mineral spirits I removed the telltale red fluff and some more varnish then let it dry overnight. Using a very thin coat of molding paste I reconstructed a similar irregular surface to the painting, filling in the indentation and let it dry overnight too.  Matching the paint is the final chore. This could pose a problem for some. It depends on the style and the degree of finish in the painting. For me it should be a easy fix as grass is varied in colour, tone and texture. A quick re-varnish and all will be done. Life is good.   

Accidents

With all the moving we have done in the last three years, the loss or damage of some items, I suspect, is inevitable. Our second segment in the saga brought the hole in this canvas. It is from the “Eve” series, the largest of the group measuring 72” x 48”, The Keeper of Wonder. The wind caught it causing it to fall against another object waiting to be loaded into the moving van. At the time all I did was look at it and without much emotion turned my attention to the next item to lift. My easy acceptance at this point could be explained by many similar occurrences during my childhood as we relocated from place to place and country to country. I had become accustomed to letting go of precious objects. In this case the damage is reparable. It has just taken be a few years to get around to doing it! Since I lacked the necessary expertise to do so I went to my favorite art store and asked the very knowledgeable people there how to go about it. I was advised to take some raw canvas, cut it small enough to cover the hole while allowing enough fabric to feather the edge. Being independent I had tried to fix another painting previously without success. I had not taken the time to pull the weave and the warp off the edges of the piece to “feather” it and I had cut it too large thinking the bigger the better… Using regular gel I applied a coat to one of the canvas patches and around the hole then pressed the bandaid into place. I had also noticed a stretch mark close to where the hole appeared and decided to administer another bandaid along that seam as well, for good measure. All in all I am delighted with the results. A little paint and no one will see the damage. They will again be able to appreciate the painting without interruption. Life is good.   

Triggers, Spirals and Transformation

I suspect it is part of the human condition. This past week has provided distinct learning curves within the negative patterning of my being. Over the years I have become an observer of certain recurring triggers. We all experience them. Some of us can name them and others have no idea why they spiral into depression. A particularly powerful, deep-rooted hook set off the usual reactions within me. The regular routine for me is a period of pain, followed by anger and self-recrimination leading to severe depression and damaged relationships. This is not something I wish to repeat. In the past I have tried various forms of resistance: positive thinking, distraction, journaling and bubble baths. Recently I have discovered “Welcoming Prayer”. I must admit this is not something I do perfectly. What I have noticed however is a distinct difference in results. Instead of resisting I welcomed the pain, the feelings, the past memories. I welcomed them until I felt as if I really did welcome them: quiet, calm, soft words of repeated welcome. In the ensuing state of sadness I released the long held anchors of self-hate: I let go of my desire for perfection, I let go of my desire to be accepted, I let go of my desire for control, etc. The space created within me allows for hugs, nurturing and healthy grieving. Yes, I am grieving a loss. I am allowing the pain and in the allowing it passes. Instead of months or weeks the process takes a few hours. The second and third triggers were not dealt with so effectively but I did manage to take the birthday cake to the party as is. Its abstracted nature did not detract from its excellent taste! Life is still good.

The link for more information on the Redwater Art Society workshop “Developing Landscapes in Acrylic” is: Alannah Ronnie norleas@shaw.ca or Carol Mervyn Keon lostdogartc@gmail.com

Hidden in Plain Sight

I love mystery. When I create a garden the path leads around corners where surprises lay hidden. I am delighting in the direction my painting is leading me.  I have a small idea where we might be going and then, on the other hand, I may know nothing! Today I just followed and found faces among the splotches and blobs. There is excitement in the air as I discern the conversation. The theme has been born. At one point I just stopped as I felt a certain tension and frustration within me, an occurrence which surfaces when I have been out of the studio for too long. Three weeks is too long. I stepped back and told myself to just listen. Gaze, listen and relax. The act of contemplation, letting go of results and submerging in the pleasure of texture, colour and rhythm, often opens doors formerly closed. This moment of being, just being, is so necessary for our wellbeing in all walks of life. I am fortunate to pursue a livelihood conducive to wellness. Life is good.

Lesson Plans and Learning Curves

Life gets in the way sometimes. I am so far behind I can see my tail! Studio withdrawal is setting in and there is no end in sight… One of these days I will pick up a brush just to relieve the tension. Part of what I do as an artist to pay the bills is teach. At the moment I am involved with two schools, one as a consultant and the other teaching senior high students something about art. It is a work in progress as I learn where the holes are in their education. Both groups are fun. It has been about thirty years since I stepped into classroom responsibilities. Learning how to use Smart Boards is fascinating. Developing modules and evaluation systems has taken up a lot of time. I am rusty…. I also have a two-day workshop in Redwater on March 26^th and 27^th on painting a landscape in acrylics. That should be fun too. I will post a link next week in case you are interested in attending. Life is full, life is good.