Studio: 3.23.11

In progress 3.23.11

This painting has been sitting in my studio for several months now, probably a record for me.  I've been working on it here and there, trying to get a handle on where to go with it. It's a bit different from my other recent paintings in that the image is completely made up of stenciled markings.

I've been taking my time with it and instead of turning it to the wall in a corner of the studio when at a loss as to how to proceed, I've left it out. I've worked on other things and then turn around to this one sometimes grind my teeth in annoyance, but I have refused to let it get the best of me. Doing a number of works on paper in the interim has moved me to a place where I think that I may have a resolution within reach. It's not there yet, but I have the beginnings of that familiar tingling in the pit of my stomach that tells me that I'll be ready to leave it alone soon and possibly send it out into the world.

I sat on my couch today staring at this latest stage and thinking about it for almost an hour. It was one of those days where I felt that much more progress was made by being more cerebral than physical in the studio. The scene was set with the cold, rainy, dark cloudy day outside and my feeling incredibly tired due to a fitful night's sleep. With that mix, it didn't take long before deep studying of the painting turned into deep napping. When I woke up, I still liked where I was with the painting, so I think I may be on the right track.