10 Year Anniversary: The Painting Diary 22 of 30
Painting Diary 22 of 30: Concentration, 2017
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This painting is called Concentration and is a meditation on the power of focus. I was learning that if I really focused on my work and stayed with it that I could get into a really extraordinary flow. I think it takes a few things. It takes a good work space. You need a proper place to work with good light, enough room to spread out as needed and easy access to your tools. Second it takes a place where you won’t be distracted. If you can work for at least a couple hours straight without distractions you’re in a good place.
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The name of the game is to not distract yourself with the phone or refrigerator or whatever it is. I can see myself doing this more when I’m working at home and I get into a tough spot in my painting and the easiest way out is to check instagram or go see what I can snack on, or make another cup of tea rather than stay focused and push through the challenges before me. Concentration is essential. That’s what I was finding at this point in my development. My output starting in 2017 and on has been very good. I would say even prolific.
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I was never prolific before, so what changed? Most importantly I was really into doing it. I wanted to paint. It was my favorite thing, not something I felt like I should do. Secondly I didn’t have a day job for most of 2017 so I had the time to do it. I think having a dedicated art studio this year also was a contributing factor. Everyday almost without fail, I would drive to the studio and work. Most of the time I had ideas but sometimes I didn’t know what I wanted to paint. Instead of starring at the canvas waiting for genius to come find me, I would just start working. Bukowski said he never had writers block a day in his life because everyday he would sit down and just write. He created a space for it and did it. Focus.
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So this panther is no different. She’s seeing the object of desire, keeping her eyes ahead and moving forward. That’s all it takes. Some days I feel it more than others, but I find that once I start working I almost always fall back in love with the magic of being a creator creating something.
Concentration, Acrylic on canvas, 2017