We humans tend to spin around in the overwhelming network of our mental world, and most of the time we end up in the same spot where we started. It seems like our mind labyrinth is full of dead-ends: we feel like we have too much, and still, something's missing. But the symbols that come in our way represent solutions for the best exits we can choose. Look for them and you will learn the truth and the beauty of life. And you will find new ways to live it completely.
Evening skies with jet trails over the village of Market Lavington
These eight paintings were done "en plein air", sitting in the tailgate of my car, at the end of May into June 2011 (posted some then). Some were done on consecutive days within about two weeks, when we had a beautiful period of calm warm weather with still evening skies. Practically there were always jet trails hanging motionless, or being drawn across the sky as I watched. Sizes are 8" x 5" in the main thought the first three were of slightly different height sizes, using offcuts, till I realised suddenly that I should standardise sizes and create a series. Now I'm trying to decide how to display them, in groups of three, or four or singley. I quite like the set of three or four as it gives rise to the idea of 'time passing', and possibly 'film', that almost old fashion medium (with sprocket holes), much superceded by video format.
One has to work very fast to get the paint down as the sky is changing swiftly all the time. So these probably took half an hour on average . It is really difficult to be sure as I always forget to check the time. Sometimes I'd get there and wait a bit to summon the energy; sitting, contemplating till it felt 'right' to start (better late then never), sometimes weary(or lazy) and mesmerised by the splendour and drama of it all. Then urge myself into action working, against the clock to beat the fading light, till I can't see the colours I'm mixing - it can feel rather futile trying to attempt this.(once or twice I didn't even get going)
Often I'll listen to music a walkman, Bach piano sonatas/partitas are good, they seem to stop out other thoughts and interruptions, helping the mind (and paint) to flow - the melody lines interweaving, stir feelings and energy, somehow relating to interweaving evolving cloud patterns.