Monday, March 11, 2013

Getting Back to Work

"Try to end a day's work on a picture knowing how to proceed the next day." Irwin Greenberg

Marsh House, Katherine Kean, 2013, oil on linen, small, The Great Marsh, Cape Cod
Marsh House ©2013 Katherine Kean
oil on linen 6x6 inches

As much as I like the idea of having all things complete and squared away before a break, it seems there is wisdom in coming back to work on something already in progress, especially if it’s something that you know exactly how to proceed with. Then it’s as simple as picking up right where you left off without fuss or hesitation or over-thinking. It’s a way to keep the flow going between starts and stops. I find this helpful on a day to day basis as well as for longer breaks.

Sky, Rocks, Beach, work in progress, Katherine Kean, oil on linen, atmospheric, Hawaii, clouds
Sky, Rocks, Beach work in progress ©2013 Katherine Kean
oil on linen 30x40 inches
 
 Before I leave the studio for the day I know what I’m going to start on the next day, whether it’s new drawings, a fresh under-painting, additional glazes - or sanding down and re-painting.

The paintings above are at a mid point. I can see where they're going, yet they will still have surprises along the way.


4 comments:

Yelena Shabrova said...

Could not agree with you more :) I have several pieces in progress too, and since uninterrupted work is not an option for me I learned how to stop with a plan in my head and continue later out of necessity. Otherwise it's one frustrating moment after another.

Anne Maxfield said...

The top picture is already so beautiful!

Katherine Kean said...

Hi Anne, thank you - it's closest of the two to being finished.

Katherine Kean said...

Hi Yelena, knowing how to keep a plan in mind sounds like a great way to maximize your time!

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