Inspiration~ Where it all starts

 

Silence, 24x36, oil on canvas

I hung this piece at a show in August.  It seemed to get a lot of attention.  People were often mesmerized and would stand in front of it just looking for several minutes.  At that point, I SHOULD have asked some key questions such as "What does it make you feel?" or "How does this resonate with you?".  I like those questions because it helps me understand how my art touches my "fans".  Completely authentic questions.  Not salesy because I actually want to know the answers.  WHAT DO PEOPLE THINK/FEEL WHEN THEY CONNECT WITH MY ART?  

I dont remember asking because I myself was mesmerized by people being mesmerized my something I did.  How DID that happen?  Have I done it before?  More importantly, can I do it again?  

Yes and yes.  My experience has been that when I get an idea, sit on it for a while, percolate, brew and finally set the canvas up to start the piece, it takes on a life of it's own.  Not that I dont see that from time to time with a spontaneous piece.  But something that I've been sitting on for a bit will somehow already be so inspired that by the time I get to painting, the idea, the concept, the motivation, the feelings all just pour out.  No guessing or "I wonder what would happen if I..." or "I think I'll try this....".  

For this piece, I saw a skull painting at a show I was in.  It was in a booth almost across from mine so I looked at it for most of 4 days.  It was a very western piece as I recall.  I believe it was just the skull and painted brilliantly.  And for whatever reason, I thought, "I think I'd like to try painting a skull".  Which is kind of weird since I'm mostly a floral painter.  

That's where the percolating comes in.  How do I, a floral painter, incorporate a skull?  How can florals and a skull come together to convey this feeling I have.  What feeling is that?  What flowers do I use... and so on.

My son let me use his Mule Deer skull and I knew it had to be white tulips.  I KNEW IT.    It also became clear to me the background had to be light and atmospheric.  Not dark, chiaroscuro and heavy.  This was going to be a quiet setting.  Reflective.  But beautiful.  The actual composition came together in the studio once I was able to find the tulips.  But it didn't take long.  I already knew it would be horizontal.  I could feel it by that time.  

I was inspired by another artists artwork.  That happens all the time for me.  That's why I go to Scottsdale a few times a year.  Something sticks and I cant shake it.  I get cravings, if you will.  Like chocolate, I will seek it out until the craving is settled.  

I currently have an inspiration, not skull related, brewing.  It's been there for a couple of months but I've had a few obligations to attend to.  A few items to clear before I indulge.  And now Christmas is just a few days away.  But that didnt stop me from doing a couple of "studies". :

These little button doll pieces sold but they will play a role in my next piece.  I cant remember what was the original inspiration for this idea I have but it's in my head and there is no way to stop the train once it's started down the tracks.