These two 'smalls' are complete and I'm quite pleased with the results. I always prefer to paint large so reducing the size to 20 inches and changing the format to square definitely adds challenges but I'm happy with the final result. It's been interesting to utilize different colour palettes on each piece, while continuing to work on a few pieces at a time as my instinct is to use the paint on the palette but, now I've begun to focus more on what the painting calls for instead. This intuitive process has been a huge departure for me...really, really enjoyable but also quite intimidating. There are many, many times throughout the work that I think that this time the piece is actually ruined. But I plod along, still excited to spend time in my studio, though I do slog once in awhile. There are many moments of sitting on my daybed and just looking, waiting for that flash of inspiration. A lot of research, writing, dreaming, and painting until the canvas just 'feels' right. 'Chasing Dreams' was the piece I sprayed and rubbed back many times, not liking the work very often during it but it has ended up being my favorite at the moment. I'm not certain if that's because of its colour palette (my favorite) or the image, or perhaps the combination. The dreams I chase are of community, a place of simplicity and silence. And 'Her Guardian' was a huge leap for me as I attempted to keep the colours feminine - I'm not a fan of pink in my life though I have a teenage daughter who doesn't go a day without it and she looks beautiful in it. I'm pleased with the end result as I feel that I've given the piece enough of the 'feminine' without being saccharine, by still giving the image strength. One of the things I have most admired in the Cree culture in I grew up with - the strength of the women, the honour and wisdom of the elders, the grandmothers. I hope I have captured this essence.
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