Should the artist's intent really matter when viewing a piece of artwork?  I think it can be interesting.  I am usually intrigued by the information provided.  Perhaps understanding the artist's vision throws the painting in a whole new light.  A glimpse of a time frame I didn't experience perhaps, or a personal glimpse into their life.  I usually look for symbolism, because I use it myself.  Techniques can draw me closer.   Composition, repetitions, I really enjoy figuring it all out.  Sometimes I am quite surprised by their revelations.  But in the end, does it matter to the viewer? Ultimately, what the viewer brings to the painting is all that matters.  

Today I am continuing to work on this painting.  It is a reflection, but it is the reflection that is the subject of the piece.  I know it has happened to me.  Maybe to you as well.  Great light today.  Back to my brushes.  

"The thing I hate about an argument is that it always interrupts a discussion."   - G. K. Chesterton

The light yesterday was abysmal, so instead of painting I worked on drawings.  Today the light is glorious and I will paint after I vote in the local runoff.  I've been thinking on this latest piece and will rework one section, and possibly start a new painting today....so I'd best get on with it.  Here is my quote for the day:

"The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."  - Thomas A. Edison

Have a safe and delicious Thanksgiving holiday.  

"If you think Independence Day is America's defining holiday, think again.  Thanksgiving deserves that title, hands-down."  - Tony Snow

I completed a small painting yesterday and titled it "Watershed Moment".  I consider it a study, but I did sign it.  I will attempt to improve it today, although the skies are overcast and consequently the light is awful.  I readied the paper last night and will try it again.  I'm not loving this paper for this effect.  If this one doesn't work out, I will try it on 140 lb. or 260 lb. and see if I like that better.  It was certainly a messy process.  One of the reasons I have a glass top on my table - easy clean-up.  Worth the additional cost in my opinion.   I will pick up my two latest framed pieces today - "West of Eleven" and "Fish Stick".  

"I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver."  - Maya Angelou

I believe I have resolved the issue at hand.  I am used to painting in a realistic manner, and this divergence is both fun and challenging.  My goal is to make this as flat as possible, but the viewer should be able to figure it out...if they are intrigued enough to stick around longer than two seconds.  It might take eight seconds.  The "monkeys" are the big clue.  To my eye they bring it quickly into focus.  It is an "L" armature, but the shapes and colors hold it together and direct the eye.  Anyway, another great day of painting in store and the light is great.  Here is my quote for the day:  

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.  Art is knowing which ones to keep"  - Scott Adams

Got to paint most of the day.  Hooray.  Predictably, having some issues with this painting now.  Will have to wait till tomorrow to resolve.  Hopefully the resolutions that pop into my head before I drop off will not keep me awake.  

"Life is like an onion.  You peel it off one layer at a time and sometimes you weep."  - Carl Sandburg  

The wind and rain have beaten the leaves off the tree outside my studio window. The result is that I had glorious full-on north light today while I painted!  This painting is going well, albeit slowly.  I look at it so intently that the result is that I think it is dull, dull, dull.  But I am assured by others that it is very intense.  Good.

"Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere."  - G. K. Chesterton

A big shout out today to all our veterans and their families.  We are mindful and grateful for your service and sacrifice.  

"Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty." - Louis Brandeis

If you haven't noticed, I've updated my website.  Although the weather was beautiful today, I didn't get to paint.  Did make a trip to the university to pick up another ruling pen because I never could find mine yesterday.  So, now I can get on with my latest painting tomorrow.  Hope you like the new design!

"Defeat is not the worst of failures.  Not to have tried is the true failure."  - George Edward Woodberry" 

Just sitting here listening to "Once in a Lifetime" by the Talking Heads and trying to calm down after looking for my ruling pen for six *#(%*&* hours!  Letting the days go by, water flowing underground......

"If you are really thankful, what do you do?  You share."  - W. Clement Stone