Summer Sampling

A sum of my early summertime sampling

I have given myself permission to try some new things this summer, armed with a supply of canvas panels and all the media I have collected through the years. This was a rather vague idea/goal, but it came into focus when I heard a Think program on npr.  Krys Boyd was interviewing David Epstein about his book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World. The discussion began around a comparison of Tiger Woods and Roger Federer and their childhood pursuits. Later in the program they cited 'grit authority' Angela Duckworth. She sang the praises of exploring different interests and testing new skills, particularly during the down time of the year, academically. Duckworth proclaims that "summer is for sampling." Aha! That is what I am up to!

Though I use the word 'experiment' to title many of my workshops and classes, and I am willing to try anything to get a certain effect, I have not spent an extended amount of time exploring new ways to use materials. My goal has usually been to prepare for the next show or to work on the next commission. Perhaps this is what happens when one works toward an MFA. I know artist friends without MFAs who still methodically set aside time to learn about color or materials and about what they wanted to create artistically. I've never done that.  Maybe now is that time for me.










One of the most exciting experiments has been using pastel as a kind of paint. An example is to the left. I am applying pastel directly to canvas board. Then, I apply matte medium over the pastel. It creates a kind of paint. This paint can be 'pushed' around with more pastel or Neocolor II or colored pencil. I add more matte medium. In this example, which I call Whistling in the Woods, the image appeared. I had no idea starting out what would develop.

The end result was full of surprises. My hope is to continue with this experimentation and to develop new ways of creating, being open to new ways of seeing as well.

Please stay tuned. I will be posting more of my experiments.