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The Joy of Discovery

March 19, 2012 by linda

The eight panels that I ordered have arrived and are in need of gesso. Normally I work on canvas but the last several paintings I did were on panels. I found that I enjoyed working on the smooth surface. So I thought I’d begin again with panels.

Gessoing is not my favorite thing. Though I am particular about the surface, and do put in the time applying the many coats of gesso and then sanding each one down, I find the process laborious.

Out of curiosity, I decided to search online to see if I might find anything new on the subject. I am continually amazed at the incredible amount of information available at our fingertips. So I should not have been surprised to come across an incredible discovery: a new way to gesso. Okay so apparently it is not entirely new, the article was published in 2004. But it was new to me. And it was a JOY to discover.

In an article entitled: Creating the Perfect Ultra-Smooth Canvas for Airbrush, A.D. Cook describes his process. Basically, he uses a squeegee to apply the gesso to the canvas. He applies many thin layers and does NOT sand between layers. This is a key time-saver.

But the really unique discovery was that he uses a wet-sand technique, wetting the sandpaper to achieve a glass-like surface. When I tried this, I was overjoyed with the process and the result. Not only is the process simpler but the surface is exquisite. At least for my purposes.

What a thrill to discover that a process as traditional as gessoing a canvas can be updated not only with modern materials but also with some creative thinking and a willingness to experiment. It got me to thinking about how many things we do automatically. Is it only the innovator or creative that questions the norm? And how would daily life be different if, from time-to-time, we took a look at where we could experience the joy of bringing something new to something old.

Filed Under: Process

Settling In

March 17, 2012 by linda

It feels SOOOO good to be back on my path, settling in to work again. After spending 8 years in the south of France, in the lovely village of Vence, I’m back in the desert where I grew up. The beauty of both places is awe-inspiring. To look out at grand vistas, the beauty of the hills and mountains and desert is a blessing and my inspiration.

Going from the lush hills of France to the sometimes stark desert in California is a visual and emotional shift. The desert is in my blood. Living under Mt. San Jacinto has always felt magnificent. I notice that I’m always attracted to places where there are mountains or hills adjacent to flat terrain. My hometown of Palm Springs, my adopted village of Vence and maybe one-day, the high desert of Taos. Childhood experience runs deep.

Filed Under: Beauty, Landscape

Welcome

March 14, 2012 by linda

Shifts and changes have occurred over the past year that have lead me back to painting. After a few years hiatus, exploring other loves and passions, I’m returning to my roots. My earlier weavings led to painting which led to explorations of creativity itself. I wanted to apply what I learned as an artist to my life, to make my life a work of beauty and art, to live divinely inspired and to create what I came here to create. And for that, I must return to painting.

Filed Under: Art, Beauty, Process

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