Set up a problem for yourself and then figure out a way to solve it.
These words appear in many of my sketchbooks and notes from art books I have read over the years. I have heard them from fellow artists, teachers, and authors. And now, I am working at not just being a listener, but a do-er.
Yesterday's white still life painting was a disaster and the paper towel roll looked like it had been stomped on by a gorilla. That became my problem to solve today: paint the paper towel roll with feeling and lush paint so that it looks like you really endorse and love those paper towels.
Or, something like that.
I am pleased with the paper towel roll in this painting. No gorilla crushed its core. It has a nice shape, good rhythm, and I think I could dance to it.
There are plenty of new problems to solve in the white still lifes ahead. And, you know what? That's a very good thing.
The Beatles were just a little bit ahead of my time, but because the cool teenagers who were my role models, idols, and babysitters loved the group, I became a big fan at a young age. And, because I am all about white these days, here's another thought about The White Album.
REVOLUTION!
Well, you know we'd all like to change the world ...