‘Rolled’ acrylic on canvas 4 x 5 feet click on image to see details
After reading my blog on the Blue Angels air show and America’s Cup races, one of my blogger friends said she was looking forward to the translation of the day in paint. What went through my head was what was on my wall at that moment in my studio. The painting couldn’t be more opposite from my photographs of that lovely day in San Francisco. I remember Nell Sinton, a painter who was my mentor, saying to me, “Carla, we artists are different. When others around us are talking about the state of politics or what is happening in Greece, we are looking at the shape of a doorknob.” The people who are talking around me are saying, “What did you think of the Presidential debates last night?” My mind wanders. I’m thinking How would I paint that half eaten fig? What colors would I choose? Shall I abstract the form or shall I try drawing it just as I see it. The colors are deep – lots of different colors in that piece of fruit. I could photograph it. Even photography changes the image. Everyone sees an object differently. I should draw every day. But, I don’t. why not?
To answer my new blogger friend you probably won’t see those images in paintings. ‘Rolled’ refers to the days when I was an ocean swimmer and participated in rough water races. Entering a wave must be precisely timed. If you dive into that wave too late you get rolled and don’t know which way is up.
Reading about your process always makes me think of your courage- showing your insides, not just on the paper, but what goes on in your head. So interesting, and useful for how it affects my creative process. xxxxxx Barbara
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I’m trying to be more open. When I am open I am rewarded by other people’s responses. I learn or people nudge me on..
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This is a beautiful post, Carla! I relate perfectly and am very taken with your painting.
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I am waiting to see a painting of yours 🙂
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Lovely painting and the last para is so inspiring! Thank you.
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Thank you. Now I know you are Manu’s friend 🙂
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Great painting Carla. My “doorknob” today was was a pile of work tools left by a road crew at the traffic lights. Only artists would see the beauty in the shape of a blue jackhammer. We take it as it comes. I love the rolled analogy- I still love that uncontrolled pummel of a wave. Water and paint, my two loves, cheers Sue
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I’ve moved away from the ocean. I miss ocean swimming . When I lived near the sea all my paintings were blue! I recommend a book called The Wave by Susan Casey.
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I like the lovely narrative. It is true that we artists can go beyond the daily by our perceptions of reality. Way to go. RLTE
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yes we live in our own world and it’s so great when we can share that world with other artists.
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I want more of the stuff that’s really going on in your head. Love this painting.
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ok I’m working on it 🙂
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