In the Thick of it! 🌪️

I’m often asked how I work on my paintings - how do I start, do I have a plan or outcome in mind - what’s my process?🤔

I always start with music as it’s such an integral part of my painting inspiration, whether it be to reflect my mood, state of mind or to energize me.

Next I unwrap a white birch cradleboard, taking in the natural wood smell and admiring the unique woodgrain. This is simply acknowledgement and gratitude of the substrate I’m about to work on which potentially will take me on an exciting creative journey.

Then I start the mark making which for me is simply intuitively choosing a tool of some type🖌️ 🖐️ 🧹 🧽 and paint of some colour and viscosity 💦 🌈 🦠. Once some marks made, a language of sorts is created and it urges me to respond with more paint/marks. It’s all about mood and emotion in those moments, a back and forth.

There are no plans, no expectations or outcomes in mind but this is why I always have numerous paintings on the go, all at various stages. Mood, emotions and perspectives change every time I’m in the studio and based on how I feel that day, I know which painting or paintings I want to work on, never forcing work on others that I’m just not into at the moment.

How do I know when a painting is done ✅ ? - another question often asked. It’s when I love the outcome, it fills me with joy and there’s not another mark I want to add. Studio time surrounded by numerous paintings in progress is exciting and so joyful ❤️‍🔥- I feel like a kid in a candy store!

Thank you for following along in my creative pursuits, it means a lot!

Until next time,

Ellen

Be Brave

Be Real

Be Love