“ I never finish a painting - I just stop working on it for a while. I like painting because it's something I never come to the end of. The thing to do is always to keep starting to paint, never to finish a painting.”
Arshile Gorky, Artist (1905-1948)

A Change In Direction

As you all know, within the last year or so, my figurative work has taken a turn toward abstraction.

Even though my paintings are not at all where I want them to be yet, they are well on their way, and I am on a wonderful new journey.

This change in direction has not come easy. In fact, at times, I have had to drag myself kicking and screaming down new paths.

And I have also found myself entertaining fear, self-doubt and insecurity along the way as well as allowing procrastination and distractions to derail me.

This is where my mantra “Process Not Product” has been a blessing. If I had been focusing on creating good, finished paintings, there is no telling how off track I might be today.

For me, with this change in direction, process has consisted of exploring mark making, brushstroke, shape making and value contrast, as well as, energy, power, movement and emotion. Not to mention, walking that fine line between representation and abstraction.

So, here is where the rubber meets the road for me. This new change in direction, coupled with my focus on “process”, has actually allowed me to free my creative spirit.

Before I decided to change the direction of my work, I felt as if my figurative drawings and paintings were becoming stale and uninspired. And so was I.

If this is you, I really encourage you to try to change directions and hopefully free your creative spirit in the process. It has worked for me.

And now, even though I feel as if my work is not “there” yet, I am on an exciting new journey filled with energy, passion, inspiration and possibility.

Best,

David

[NEW ATASCADERO WORKSHOPS]

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED MIXED MEDIA FIGURE DRAWING & PAINTING WORKSHOPS

One Day Each:
Saturday, December 2 (6 Spaces Available)
Friday, January 26 (1 Space Available)
Saturday, January 27 (1 Space Available)

10am - 4pm

Come take the first workshops I am offering in my Atascadero Studio.

For more details click here: + DECEMBER 2 | + JANUARY 26 | + JANUARY 27