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| Under the Deep Blue Sea oil and wax on paper 9x12 |
My husband walked into my studio and said - "It smells different in here". He's right, the smell of hot wax is absent and the smell of oil paint has taken over. I'm finding myself drawn to painting with this new medium more and more. I'm less inclined to be warming up the encaustic wax, yet I still do. I'm finding being a beginner is fun and at every turn there is something new. I'm also finding abstract difficult, so I had to take a little break from it and paint something more tangible - i.e. fish.
I've been wondering why I've been so compelled to paint fish lately and specifically ocean perch. Other than they are fun for me because I love the texture and color. Yet, I was still pondering the connection and why. Then it came to me - I have very fond childhood memories of surf fishing with my Dad. It was one of the perks of growing up at the beach on the pacific coast and being able to live off the bounty of the ocean. We would spend many a summer day, wading out into the waves and throwing in a line. The catch of the day was usually ocean perch as they were plentiful and really loved our bait of razor clams. It was such a thrill to feel that tug on the line and reel in a silver flapping fish to bring home for dinner. This is my connection, and I have to say it makes me smile every time I look at my fish paintings. Do you find fond childhood memories that come through in your art?
Also, I'm starting and Inspiration Today post on Tuesdays. I'm sharing what's in progress in the studio and what I am finding inspiring. The first of the series was this past Tuesday.
Happy Friday!
