“When we talk about art, we can’t help but talk about it’s relationship to life.”
Larry Rivers, Artist

It’s Different Now

I trust that everyone is healthy and creating. I am currently both healthy and painting. But, it’s different now. My thoughts are different. My feelings are different. My routines are different. My priorities are different. And, even my art is different.

I am struggling a bit with my figurative work, so I have been making some small abstract paintings. See photo above.

We must keep creating. No matter what.

With the “shelter in place” order that we under, I have not felt as connected to people as I was a couple of weeks ago. So, my passion for my figurative work is a bit lost. I am still working on some figurative pieces, but they are more difficult right now and are coming along much more slowly.

And, now that the manuscript for my book is in the hands of the editor, and I can’t physically be in a classroom teaching, I also feel a little powerless.

I am, however, working on other ways to engage with artists (including all of my devoted students), and contribute to helping them be the best, most productive artists they can be. Please stay tuned for more ways to engage with me.

But, in the meantime, for some reason, these small abstract paintings are allowing me to feel a bit more powerful. In any case, continuing to be involved in my painting practice is making me feel better and more confident. As if everything is going to be OK.

If you are not painting as much as you were several weeks ago, or you have shut down your creativity altogether, I urge you to get back in front of your easel and create. Create anything. It does not matter what you create. (Look at me. I am painting abstractly for now). What matters is that you create.

Stay with what is familiar if that feels better, or, step outside of the box like I have with these little abstract paintings.

Creating will make you feel a whole lot better. I am sure of it.

If you are painting, Good for you! Keep at it.

Stay well and be healthy.

David