In my previous post, I discussed how photography assisted in my painting process for “Autumn Glory.” Now, I will delve into the role of writing.
In 2022, I began to experiment with the fusion of words and imagery on canvas.
“Autumn glory” drew its initial inspiration from an October afternoon walk in that year. I first captured my experience through journaling, before transferring key phrases onto my canvas in pencil.
The words informed my initial colour choices. Some of the words remain visible, even after several layers of paint, adding an additional layer of meaning to the artwork.
Here is an excerpt of my description of that walk:
AUTUMN GLORY
October pops and fizzes,
lime green flashes through the autumnal kaleidoscope.
It is raining leaves: some sailing to the ground, unforced and unhurried,
others ripped from the tree in fistfuls in a sudden gust of wind.
A maple leaf shows off its bold yellow and red coat of arms amongst its fallen comrades,
tinged with dark purple at the edges – the fleeting beauty of nature’s ever-changing art…
October does not surrender quietly to the encroaching darkness.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, Martin. Like you, I am interested in other people’s creative process so it comes naturally to me to share my process too.
I love that you are happy to share your process and inspiration, Susanne. It is interesting that when my wife and I visit a gallery we have very different approaches to how we take in the art on display. Jill surges through scanning for what takes her eye, whilst I hang back reading the notes beside the paintings. I think there is a difference between those who create just in the medium and for those who have a more involved creative process. You are clearly one of the latter and hearing something about the what has inspires you helps me to appreciate the art better, especially when it is more abstract.
Thanks. I look forward to reading more from you