Eclipse

Stretching and priming canvases is time consuming and costs money. This being the case I often reuse surfaces of failed or abandoned paintings especially when they haven't progressed too far. A year or so ago after starting a painting with a model I decided the subject warranted a larger canvas. The abandoned effort has been leaning against a wall waiting for a project. It proved the most appropriate size for this watermelon painting. (My own summer crop by the way). Perhaps I should have stopped right here and started a flesh and fruit series.

Day one, Watermelons,  oil on canvas, 26" X 30"

Studio interior, September, 2015

Totally by accident I have been presented with a perfect physical metaphor. I chose this canvas solely for its size oblivious to the existing image. It wasn't until I took these photos that the juxtaposition made itself obvious. So still lifes are eclipsing my figurative work … literally.

Inner Voices

For the better part of the last four years the human form has been the only subject that stirred my artistic passions. Only now as I take a step back from the figure can I see this period of time with any clarity. I was motivated, even obsessed, with the notion of becoming a competent figurative painter. Any rationale behind this quest came from a purely emotional place.

Male Nude, oil pastel, 9" X 8", 2012

The decision to "go figurative" was purposeful but I can't honestly say I had any choice in the matter. Throughout the years I have always followed that inner voice directing me to the next challenge. I can't say this voice has led Bruce Day the painter to any noble path or destination. In fact I have gone down some awfully dark dead ends putting too much faith in intuition. Some honest contemplation and skepticism are warranted when you start hearing voices.

Keeping Your Cool

A recent figure painting session did not go well. I was aware of being in trouble right from the start. The group selected pose was stiff and my angle and lighting were bad. I always paint with a brush in one hand and a rag in the other. Having only one canvas my rag hand was busy rubbing out the first three or four failed attempts. I simply wasn't connecting.

Oil studies on canvas, 12" X 16", 2015

Viewing my work with fresh eyes after the lunch break I capitulated and abandoned the mornings efforts. Turning the surface horizontally I proceeded to tackle a profile study.

Typically in situations like this my art related insecurities would have induced at least a mild panic attack. But this time was different. I remained calm and focused throughout the ordeal. I was content to use the remaining time to experiment and honestly wasn't concerned with the end result.