Whenever and Howsoever

"Whenever and Howsoever" - acrylic on cradled wood panel, 18" x 24" x 1".  Ready to hang (back has been pre-wired for hanging).  Available here and at Artfinder.

It is six a.m. and I am working.  I am absentminded, reckless, heedless of social obligations, etc.  It is as it must be.

I have wrestled with the angel and I am stained with light and I have no shame.

My loyalty is to the inner vision, whenever and howsoever it may arrive.  

- MARY OLIVER, Upstream

Whenever and Howsoever

I've been pondering the muse.  That outrageous, ill-tempered, demanding and elusive being I love so much.  On the surface, it seems to be a dysfunctional relationship.  She appears to hold all the power and to have very precise requirements for her to remain with me.  She seems to be unpredictable and moody, unreliable and fickle.  And yet... what she requires are the very things my spirit thrives on - adequate rest, a slower pace, showing up every day to practice and create.  She wants regular infusions of adventure and new experiences, deep connections and exquisite, luxurious laziness.  She wants to surround me with good people and excellent food and the feeling of rain on my upturned face. 

And so, as I return to the studio after a brief (but much needed) time of family, connection and adventure, I see the muse nodding at me with bright eyes.  She hands me the brush and says "let's begin."

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About the art:  created in the style of  Scottish painter Barbara Rae's  abstracted waterways, this piece strives to push an aerial view to abstraction.  Beginning with a heavily gesso'd panel with a focus on texture, adding light washes of neutrals over color.  Spray bottle, rubber wedge, chopstick and paper towels used to create more texture.   Resisting the temptation to clean edges - allowing one to run over the next until an organic feel is achieved.