Ways of working
Working this week I’ve been reminded of how different the process of making these new paintings is to the way I make my hard edge paintings.
For the later the final form is known even if final colour choices are not. In these new paintings I start with no such knowledge. Forms are found, constructed, and erased during the making of the work. Decisions about composition, balance, and colour are made on the fly. When there is forethought and planning, this is often abandoned as soon as the brush hits the canvas.
It’s a challenging way of working, with plenty of room for doubt, yet experience tells me to hold my nerve, to sit with the unknown, to be ok with feeling uncomfortable, frustrated and uncertain. Trust the process – keep painting, remember to step away when needed and make sure to return the next day – and all will be ok.