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so it seems whenever i paint larger pieces, i get stuck. there’s just all of this room for space and i feel like i need to fill it. i was inspired to paint this birdie when a little sparrow perched on my windowsill. it was like he was posing for me, so i could get his wings and little posture just right. and the most significant thing was its belly, which became a rising sun.
and i am certain my birdie and the trees will stay the same, but it’s still all the white that’s making me pause. it really is ironic as i’ve been reorganizing and decluttering my space-mental and around the house-ever since the first bit of cold weather stepped in last week.
i cleared out our guest room and made it into the library/record listening room we’ve been wanting. i cut down all of the dying annuals from the garden and brought in the summer plant pots. but now i’m left with this space, which right now feels like emptiness, even as it grows on me.
all the while though, i know i’m making room for new things to come into my life. and i am so ready for that. so i’m thinking i might just need to let the space be.
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ps. i’ve been blown away by all of your kindness and inspiration from last week’s a painting start to finish post! THANK YOU! so on Wednesday i’ll be posting another new painting for you—from start to finish!
pps. the lovely rita posted an interview with me on her blog! you can read it right here!
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20 comments on “a painting in progress”
Susan
I like it even with the space… it will be cool to see what happens with it. Thanks for the peek into your creative process.
GLOSSING OVER IT
Mandy Crandell
I really like the white. At least it's not a stark white. I always have trouble drawing large.
Isabel
Love the painting:O) and i know how you feel about larger paintings I love painting on small blocks or canvases:O) Loved the interview:O)
rita maria gallery
juliette, this is probably my favorite owl piece of yours! really! it's just right!
Sonja
What a cute birdie with sunrising tummy 🙂 She's great. Love it even with all the white space around.
Louise Gale
Gorgeous, i love this Juliette. The white is all shimmering, its good to get out of the comfort zone and once you start painting large, i know you will just love it….so freeing. 🙂 Yes space is good, let all that wonderful yummy stuff in. xxx
rachel awes
so tweet tweet sweet!
looove!
nacherluver
Cute, cute, cute! Love the round tree tops.
Tam Hess
I like the white background, rich and beautiful as always. BUT you always surprise me with the next layer and the next. As the boys would say, “Total awesomeness!” 🙂
Jessie
Hi Juliette, I really enjoyed reading your interview and I love to see how paintings come to be! our owls and birds are delightful 🙂 xx
Sadie Inspired
I love it already, so I can't wait to see the finished piece! I totally understand what you mean with getting stuck with space…sending you lots of positive, creative thoughts. 🙂
Amelia
I love it when a space clears for new things in one's life. I also find that there is an incubation period with art when suddenly you just know how to finish it.
It is getting colder here in the UK and I can feel the changes coming in . . . Look forward to seeing your finishes 🙂
Amelia.x
pinkglitterfae
cute little fella!
I know what you mean about all the empty space you feel you need to fill in. I think it looks pretty good as it is.
I'm off to check out your interview 🙂
Erin Balfour
I love the brightness in this painting – can't wait to see it develop!
I love clearing space – so good for the soul :o)
x
Heather
this is very sweet. You've inspired me, i need to go free up some space in my house, too! xxoo – love your work!
Kerri
looks so sweet so far! 🙂
The English Writer
I love it, but then I am a big fan, you work is always so original, great stuff. Karen.
SaraLynn
What a great piece! The owl has such a sweetness about him. I love the composition here and the colors and textures look wonderful.
Incipient Wings
he looks wonderful…I'm sure the finished piece will be stunning.
lori vliegen
i think it's perfect just the way it is! all of your artwork has such a wonderful preciousness about it…… :))))