I really enjoyed painting this piece focusing on the composition of the tattered leaves of the Bird of Paradise. Using lots of bold colors to represent the tropical environment, I replaced almost all the greens with teal, reds and pinks. I also incorporated collage, with my hand-painted patterned papers applied to some of the leaves.
It’s taken some time, but I’ve learned that creating art intuitively is the very best approach for me. Not to say that it takes less effort or discipline, but the overall process is more enjoyable! Listening to my inner art voice is usually smart. Sometimes it guides me to trust myself… go in a different direction or be brave in my choices. The “process” of art making is why I make art after-all, if it’s not enjoyable, then I’m doing something wrong. These 2 turtles are a good example of starting a new piece intuitively. In the midst of playing with a very bold palette they appeared 😊. They are on their way… lots of collage and paint to come.
Well… it’s day 11 or maybe 9, #social distancing #covid19 #saferathome.
I’ve been really inspired since the beginning of the year. 2020! Time to get some amazing artwork done. Then… a pandemic? It’s a challenging time for sure. Artists need an audience. Most sales are in person and with outdoor festivals cancelled and my gallery temporarily closed to the public, it’s easy to get discouraged. Then inspiration prods and I get down to my studio and get busy! I Love the quote attributed to Picasso; “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” I’m trying to make that my motto everyday.
I LOVE what I’m blessed to do… hope you will enjoy! Be safe, wash your hands, no fear!
Many years ago… before I painted things like turtles and fish, coral reefs and octopus, I was primarily painting the tropical landscape. I had a commission to paint a piece with bananas and big tropical foliage. I started the piece as I start most any painting… with big areas of color, followed by more layers of overlapping color. I was working at a studio on the piece when a friend strolled by and innocently stated that the big shape in the middle “looked like a turtle”. “It’s going to be pink bananas”, I replied. I took the piece home and leaned against a wall to observe for the next few days until I could get back to it, but every time I looked at it, all I could see was that big turtle shape. I planned to continue on painting it as bananas, but in an attempt to be a more intuitive artist, I started the pink bananas on another canvas and finished the original piece as the turtle it was meant to be :)
I’ve learned to listen to my heart a little more… and voices, creative voices of my own and those of my friends, now and then.
I paint turtles… thank goodness. The ocean is a mighty mysterious place. Just as in every other part of creation, it’s design is amazingly beautiful and mesmerizing. I’m working on two commissions of underwater scenes right now at my studio and thought I would share some of the progress.
RENEE DECATOR, life stories 