Wednesday, March 28, 2012

developing an idea

24 x 24, oil on birch panel
looking at watercolor sketch as I paint with oils
15 x 15, watercolor sketch on Arches 140# cold press
it all started with an ink sketch, 1.5" x 1.5"
You might remember seeing some of my tiny thumbnail sketches as I tried to work out my feelings about my father's dementia. It seemed to me that Dad had lost his memories and that he might look for them like you would if you lost something else that was precious to you.

Is it behind the couch?
Under the bed?
Maybe I threw it away.

The little thumbnail sketch, done in waterproof ink, became the basis for a watercolor sketch. I liked it well enough to develop it into an oil painting. Some of the bones of this painting are right, but it needs something and I that what it needs will be clear to me tomorrow when I look at it with fresh eyes.

Lucky for me, as my father has lost his memories (short and long term) and has become more confused, he has become even more polite and agreeable. Several of his caregivers took me aside to tell me, "Your father is such a nice man!" And, he is!

Eva Cassidy gets it right, too. "You've Changed."

6 comments:

SamArtDog said...

My 90-year-old uncle has been sliding down the rabbit hole for the last few years. Like your dad, he's a sweet guy. Two weeks ago, he had a stroke. The rest of the family is expecting the worst. He's as happy as a clam.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

That's the learning piece for me with my father ... start every day with the anticipation that something good will happen. And it does! Sometimes it's just scrambled eggs for breakfast, but it's a GOOD DAY! I'm still learning from Dad.

Ralph said...

Marvellous I like it. Please forgive if I make a slight suggestion just a little hint of light on the top of the can and maybe on the right of it. But I love the feeling of this work.

SamArtDog said...

Remember the blogger I told you about who did the first Alaskan artist-in-residency? Here 'tis...
http://hodge-artandnature.blogspot.com/

Btw, my uncle came to yesterday, with all engines up and firing. And still happy as a clam.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Thanks for the link, Sam! What a great residency that was!! Does it look like something you would enjoy? Great news about your uncle!!

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Ralph! It's been a long time! Thanks for stopping in and for the suggestions.