Practice

Ink Drawing of a Peach Tree

Whenever I decide to do something new, there is usually a learning curve that requires practice. My friend and sometimes ceramic instructor Dean Goss taught me the phrase Poco a Poco which translates in English as ‘little by little’. I’ve taken this concept to heart especially when I start on a new endeavor that requires learning a new skill which in turn requires practice. 

As part of my studio goals for 2022, I’ve decided to take up the brush again and work on two painting series in addition to my ceramics. I’m tabling my printmaking for the time being as there are only so many hours in a day. Someday perhaps when I retire from teaching I can work on all three but until then 2022 will be ceramics and painting. The first series will focus on portraiture, the second landscape in this case both painting and drawing the Colorado landscape. 

I’m bringing in the new year with this in mind by exhibiting a landscape painting in Spark gallery member’s show in February. I’ve also begun doing studies of trees, in this case Peach trees from Palisade. Since the landscape of Palisade provides a wealth of inspiration to me, I figured why not start there? I have unlimited photo references and visit the area as often as I can. The Mesas, Orchards and Vineyards are a never ending source of inspiration and beauty.

I’ve also decided to utilize my knowledge of Art History and have been finding inspiration from artists that admired from the 19th century, starting with Vincent Van Gogh and his drawings and paintings of orchards. 

Van Gogh was both a master draftsman and colorist and beautifully captured the texture and energy of the French countryside. One day I hope to be able to paint and draw via Plein Air as he did but for now, I will have to rely on photographs. Nature has always helped energize my spirit which is why I decided to explore landscape painting and practicing never grows old.