#Evolving Perception

I have had a large canvas with me for over five years. It has been my nemesis every year because I have not been satisfied with anything I have painted on it.

All dissatisfaction melted away with the snow that is on the ground outside. Being at home these last few days has been a nice time to refocus my painting efforts. This morning I knew that I wanted to paint. I had to paint. It was then that I saw Shannon with her belly sticking out and I was reminded of a sculpture by Ron Mueck. The sculpture is of a very pregnant woman obviously near her time to give birth.

My pregnant wife would make the perfect painting.

Here is the beginning.

While I was in college the still life was reviled. We thought our own creativity was the ultimate. The other day in the art room I set up a still life based on Cezanne’s Apples and Oranges. I was not going to paint it, but I felt compelled to begin. It is, even at this early stage, one of my best paintings.

I have never been much of a painter. My focus has always been more interested in drawing. Now that I am teaching artistic principles in a classroom I have to follow my own instructions. Being an art teacher is making me a better all-around artist.

I just had a mother bring in these two paintings to show how art class has inspired her son to paint recently. They bought supplies and he copied some paintings that were in their home.