Friday, July 31, 2009

Thinking

Actually, I'm thinking about quite a lot of things today. But first I'm going to ask you what you think. You may almost recognise this painting. I actually began it last year and at the time I thought it was finished. It is of my small studio and it's voluminous contents. With the entry deadline for EMSLA drawing very near I wanted to revisit the work. (It is exceedingly difficult to photograph both last year and this year!!!)

Still Life in Studio With Thoughts
Acrylic on Canvas 101.5 cm x 75.5 cm

What do you think? (Please click on it to see it enlarged.) I've got to try to take a better photo tomorrow. It IS very pale, all chromatic greys. I don't know! This is the point I get to prior to entering competitions every time! And then I just don't enter. Quite a vicious cycle really. Don't get me wrong. I do actually really like the painting but I just don't think it's good enough.

The painting is pale because it is what happens in my studio that is important rather than it's actual appearance. Because it is my space, in spite of it's size, it has a huge limitless space in my mind. I truly believe anything could happen in there, all I need to do is enter and begin. I wanted the studio to be present in the painting but for something else, the 'intangible' to be the primary subject matter.

Oh, I really don't know. I might have a go at finishing another work in progress and see how it turns out. Why do we artists doubt ourselves so completely?

5 comments:

Angela said...

Jan,
Love it! Love the colours, love the textures love the lines.. everything.
I do find my eye wanting a more obvious focal point, but i suspect that is just from looking at it on a computer screen rather than face to face.
As always, your work has me all inspired to go paint! Thanks!!

Jan Allsopp said...

Thanks Angela! I know what you mean about the focal point. Since yesterday I've turned it upside down. It is much better that way. (It originally started out that way.) I'll post an updated photo soon. Thanks so much for the feedback!

jo horswill said...

Hi Jan,
I like the pale palette. Reminds me of a Lloyd Ree's painting.
I like how the painting draws you in, and you float around it's borders.
The fact there is no focal point is good...makes you search, think and contemplate. Very peaceful. :)

Jan Allsopp said...

Thanks Jo, I'm feeling more confident with it now. ;]

Georgie Macdonald said...

Hi Jan, I think your painting is very peaceful and worthy of the time and effort you have put in to it. Get it entered. Geogiex