Thursday, August 19, 2010

Contemplating the Masters

The last few weeks I've been museum hopping: the De Young in San Francisco for the Birth of the Impressionists show, and the Haggin Museum for the California Impressionist show (it ended on the 15th). My brain is still processing the input. The images, the incredible artwork of the period, makes me want to chew on my brushes.

I have a different understanding of things that I've only seen in books or in slides during lectures that put me to sleep almost as soon as the lights dimmed. Breath taking. Awe inspiring. How will I overcome my intimidation?

I'm still drifting around trying to discover my own style again. I had a much stronger direction when I knew less... go figure. I guess things just take time, but it's been hard getting back to painting after this. Of course, I wouldn't have missed it, but...


In the meantime, Jim and I are working on the backyard cobblestone project. We have started 'round the tree, and did the first test batch of the sand-lock substance that holds the stones in place. I read the fine print in the MSDS sheets, and discovered that the magic ingredient is psyllium.. yes, you got it... fiber. If I run out of the supply I purchased, I guess I can just buy a couple of pounds at the health food store and grind them finely to mix into the sand. Live and learn.