That's what my two-week blogging hiatus did for me! It's all about balance--- and I'm in the process of rethinking and redirecting my time and energies to regain that balance.
So, back to the search for water! I'm discovering as I go that I'm drawn to subjects that show the play of water against and around rocks. I'm starting out in a fairly representational mode, but I can feel the pull of a more abstracted, more stylized approach to this theme. But, you know, I'm not going to try to control the process---I'm just going to paint and see what evolves.
I'm also in the midst of making arrangements for my second big trip to a watery place---the place that is very like Hawaii, but very different, too. I'm really excited about it and will make an announcement as soon as I've got it all sorted out.
I'm also going to Monterey, California at the end of May. My daughter C is interested in a graduate program at the Monterey Institute, so we're going to check things out there. Talk about rocks and water! Big Sur is a famous example of exactly the phenomenon I'm drawn to.
Then it's off to Montreal with my daughter K, for a last mother-daughter trip before her baby is born in October. The last time we were there, she was 7 months old. A sentimental journey, indeed.
Here are some things I've been working on lately.
Creek at Peregrine Farm. Acrylic on board, 8" x 10".
Water movement study, creek at Main Farm. 8b graphite on bristol.
Book talk and book signing, Regulator Bookstore. Ink and wash in sketchbook.
Beautiful acrylic piece! Very nice, the the energy in that water.
Posted by: Jared Shear | July 03, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Way to go Laura - I'm so pleased with this news of your change of direction. I was so impressed with the water paintings you did while on Hawaii - and you are absolutely right to be looking at the abstracted qualities.
May I suggest a slight refinement of the theme to you? Based on previous posts, I'm wondering whether what you like is actually moving water. I'm thinking here of the fact that you have always been so very 'drawn' (teehee!) to fountains as well. I think it's the abstracted qualities which come with the movement of water and the associated refraction of light and colour which you really enjoy.
Enjoy Monterey!
Posted by: Katherine | May 20, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Monterey is so beautiful. Enjoy your time there!
Posted by: Arwen | May 18, 2008 at 07:10 PM
Thank you, kind commenters. I was so cheered by your support. I lived in Carmel a long time ago, so I'm familiar with the area and love it! Don't know how much time I'll have to sketch, because I'll be focusing on my daughter, but I'm sure I'll manage something!
Posted by: Laura | May 18, 2008 at 06:48 PM
Sorry you endured a dry patch, but glad you are wise enough to know what to do about them. This work is glorious.
Posted by: Lucy | May 18, 2008 at 02:51 PM
glad you're back. love all your curvy lines and watercolor in all the right places, great inspiration to me.
Posted by: sues | May 18, 2008 at 11:57 AM