Studio Notes: Finding more focus
+ some recent work
I have always been an advocate for the idea that the artists’ focus shifts from time to time, depending on where the artist is within their journey. This year I want to put my energy into developing a visual vocabulary and achieving more cohesion in my art. I am trying to go away from working exclusively in sketchbooks and use them more as places to test ideas and developing skills.
I want to explore scale and create artwork on larger substrates, so I have been practicing behind the scenes. I am still figuring things out, because changing the scale requires changing the process quite a bit and literal translations from a sketchbook page rarely work without the need to tweak some of the parameters. Also it turned out that I really need to practice larger movements - the pain in my shoulder isn’t a joke!
Recently I ended up with a “failed” A2 format floral painting and decided to recycle it into smaller compositions I put into one of my handmade sketchbooks. You can see the results at the beginning of the post.
It’s really fun to explore abstraction and abstract compositions in this way. Whilst I didn’t like the finished painting, I really enjoy the little compositions I managed to find within it. Also I find that a collection of several little pieces usually balances out the imperfections of a single piece, that’s why I like how the pages look together.
To create these compositions I used the viewfinder method I explain in detail in this post:
Although I’m transitioning into creating larger work, sketchbooks are still a big part of my process and the main place to explore new ideas. They also help me to squeeze art making into busy days - I’m working 20 hours per week and in addition I’m pursuing a master’s degree in education science. Sketchbooks make it easier to show up regularly and I’ll be creating work for the 100 days project in a handmade sketchbook.
What changed is that I’m finding more focus in my sketchbooks too - improving skills in value and composition is a priority. I’m also limiting the sources of inspiration and the materials and colours I use.
Other recent works
I also try to regularly share my sketchbook pages on Notes, so you can check that out too!
Thank you for reading and being here! You’re all very welcome in this space. Feel free to share this post with an art friend and I’ll be happy to hear from you in the comments!
Until next time!
Lisa
I love the cropped floral compositions! What a lovely way to make use of a painting you weren’t as pleased with. Look forward to seeing what you do for The 100 Day Project!