"give me your answer, do" oil 12 x 12 This has been a week of extremes. While on Monday it poured rain, this morning Pam and I had to wear multiple layers to brave the intensely cold wind as we did our weekly walk up the river. As usual with these huge pressure changes, I turn into an old dog who wants to curl up in front of the fire. Not even the spirit is willing, I’m afraid. But I have to tackle the housework which got away from me in the last few days so I will have to depend on some great music for inspiration.
Today’s choice is an old George Harrison collection called All Things Must Pass. I have loved it since its 1970 pressing and, though I may still be sitting to write this, I am dancing in the chair. The guitar twangs and strong rhythms have never ceased to delight me and the lyrics are pure shout-outs to life. If you too boogie your mopping, I recommend it, with a chaser of the Rankins if there’s a big mess.
Now painting demands a totally different vibe. I need quieter, more melodic music to negotiate the endless decisions of glazing in oil. The painters in my circle seem almost unanimous about Josh Groban. Look up Cody Karey if you’re of the same mind; he’s a young Canadian promoted by David Foster (as Groban was) and he has a lovely way with a song. On the other hand, the ticket to a push in the right direction if I’m really struggling with a painting is Rufus Wainwright; like his mother and aunt, the man nails the act of yearning.
Music to drive to? Assuming you are not driving a convertible, here is your chance to belt it out in private. Italian opera (especially Puccini) is ready in the CD player. Yes, I have no bananas (hum this but substitute “Italian”), but I can basically carry a tune... As an alto, I have to sing along with Pavarotti rather than Frenzi but that still leaves the whole tenor and mezzo repertoire to massacre. I am also a fool for tenor sax jazz and baroque cello solos and try to sing to them as well. Watch for me at a red light near you. My windows will be up and you'll wish yours were too.
Only after a frenzy of musical mopping did I find the time to paint three of the edges of “give me your answer, do.” There are still more layers to go on the image itself too. We painted daisies at a workshop by Michelle van Maurik last week. I always prefer to use my own material and as it luck would have it I had set up just such a shot after Elizabeth Robbins’ demo last year. But is this painting alla prima, Elizabeth's and Michelle's technique of choice?
Nope.
Tried. Can’t. Won't.
P.S. Many have complained that my comments were closed. Having looked in vain for what I must have turned off accidentally, I finally swallowed my pride today and called Weebly. A helpful teenager reminded me where the settings are. Thanks to all who nagged me.
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