Re-working

I see it has been a very long time with no blog post - way too long!  It's been a very busy year and quite productive with commissions and sales with the two galleries I am with. My work is changing and I feel myself growing in confidence as I challenged myself with larger canvases.

The task at hand for the moment is re-working of pieces I find myself not happy with any longer. As storage space is limited this is the route to go for me.

The first two to tackle are part of a series from my last post over a year ago. It will be interesting to see what direction they take!

The "Series"

This is a successful attempt at the elusive "series" concept.  I always find it difficult to stay in a particular style or zone when painting so this time I pretty much worked on all 6 at once.  This works for me!!! I've finally found the answer. This series consists of 2 @ 30" x 30", 2 @ 16" x 16" and 2 @ 12" x 12".

The only problem is that I am now working larger (36" x 48") and space is very limited.  I can see a re-organization project of my little 'studio' space, which is a portion of a family room type area.  I'm going to need to figure out a way to get the panels up on the wall to work on as there is no room for multiple easels.   I need a heated garage!!!

Commissions

This painting, "Quintessence" was finished yesterday after a few weeks of stressful work trying to get it right.  The request was for a painting similar to one that had previously sold, only in pinks and yellows.  The last time I completed a commission piece was many years ago when I was working in watercolours and in a realistic manner.  Mixed media and acrylic in a non-representational style is another story.

This was quite the challenge for me. In trying to mix pinks, I was arriving at bubble-gum colours which made me very unhappy.  On the third attempt, I decided to work on 2 canvases at the same time and in colours that I like. The result was a 'letting go' of expectations and working on 2 at once was a very liberating experience too.  I was able to paint in my usual intuitive manner and the painting progressed quickly to my satisfaction and the second one is also coming along nicely.

I was very nervous when emailing the photo of my finished piece to the gallery where the commission was requested. The last thing I wanted to hear was that it was not acceptable to the gallery or client. I was prepared for,  and hoping for,  only minor tweaks  before varnishing and delivering.

To my delight, the gallery and clients were very pleased and all that was requested was for me to give it a name!

New experiences, though stressful, are such a thrill when there is a positive outcome! I have learned a lot about working on commissions and myself as well.  All that I needed to do was trust my instincts and inner voice and paint like I always do. In worrying every step of the way about whether the client would like this or that I put a muzzle on myself stifling my creativity totally.

Lesson learned!  Now to finish the second one for myself!

Productive Painting Time

                                         
                                           "Mind Games"

Summer weather is still here - the garden is calling to me BUT so is painting!  This 12" x 12" x 1.5" painting came together rather quickly for a change.  It is a relief to get a little one that I like in the middle of struggling with a large canvas - 36" x 48" x 1.5" and 3 works on paper to go with it.

The large one and companions are beginning to take shape and my mind is in the right place to tackle that big project.  My paintings are intuitive and emotional and a fairly clear head is needed to work out the puzzle that this kind of painting is!

A little diversion is sometimes needed - this painting was diversion #1 and a thorough house cleaning today was diversion #2.

Tomorrow it is Onward with the Brushes!!!!

Perseverance

The title of this painting is "Patience" and it sums up my attitude towards my painting experience.

I have been on a journey of learning and discovery for 26 years now. It all started with classes in drawing, life drawing, graphic design, illustration and layout, black and white photography and development, oil painting, pastel painting, watercolour painting, intaglio and relief printmaking and various mixed media techniques and workshops.

Along the way I've been involved with many art organizations, co-op art galleries, outdoor and indoor art shows and a few studio tours.  My paintings have been shown in many small art galleries and gift shops in Ottawa and other towns and cities in Eastern Ontario.

Recently I have had the good fortune to be asked by the owner of a major fine art gallery here in Ottawa, Koyman Galleries, to show my work.  I am now a 'gallery artist' and have a permanent display space in this beautiful venue.  My challenge now is to create more artwork in 'my style' on larger canvases. Here's hoping 'Joe Public' will like what he sees enough to buy my work.

In general, I think creative people have to build a hard shell against negativity for what they do and why they do it. Pursuing a subject for the simple love of learning and enjoyment of the process is what is important to me and I want to keep that freshness of attitude in my mind going forward in this new direction.

Heather Assaf
Koyman Galleries

A New Series in "My Style"

These two paintings are the first in a new series I have been working on lately.  This style combines collage, printmaking and mixed media painting on canvas. For years I have been experimenting with many mediums and techniques and this is the end result!  For some artists, myself included, it takes a long time to develop an individual 'style'. I now feel that all the time spent learning is coming together and I'm very happy and relaxed painting in this way!

More to come!

Artist's Block!

So my goal of doing something artsy every week has kind of hit a snag - Artist Block!!!!
I have succeeded in working and re-working 2 small collages to the point that they are now in my trash bin.
The other 6 canvases shown above have been worked on and gessoed over quite a few times!
Now I have them all lined up staring at me with their blank white faces - not a happy sight!

This week has seen way too many interruptions - one of the major downfalls of having a home studio with a retired husband and a very senior dog.

I won't have time now to try anything artsy for a few more days.  This is making me very anxious and antsy as I want to DO something!!!

I know I can find my 'happy place' and concentrate on creating something just for my own peace of mind - one of these days!

I think some time on my treadmill will be useful right about now!

My consolation is that I know all creative people hit these roadblocks from time time and it will pass.  I just need this to pass quickly!!!

Determination

Today's writing is about determination.  This painting was started many months ago and had to wait to be finished until I had recovered firstly from the Christmas season; secondly from a concussion; thirdly from a frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tear and lastly from an incredibly hot few months which left my brain pretty much fried as far as any creative impulses were concerned.

My injuries have healed and the weather has cooled off resulting in a welcome spurt of energy yesterday and today.  This one is now as finished as it's going to be.  A coat of varnish remains to be added and then the final touch which is a float frame with a natural clear finish and black interior.

Many times I have wanted to get out the gesso and start over completely.  There is something to be said for sticking with something until it tells you to stop.  Working on an abstract painting with no pre-planning is like doing a difficult puzzle.The spark of accomplishment feels good and I'm now looking forward to the next challenge.

Perseverance

This painting is the third one in a little series of small test paintings for a new technique to add to my collage works.  All three were done on board and then matted and framed at 8" x 10" and this one at 10" x 12".

 I am happy with the outcome and am now working on two canvases at 12" x 12".  There will be more to come in progressively larger sizes.  The first one is done but I will wait and post them both up together.

It is getting easier for me to stick to a series for a while.  I've always gotten a little bored with the concept of the same theme but I am enjoying exploring an idea for a bit longer each time. 

The end result of a cohesive showing of works is a good reward for sticking it out!