"Solitude" by Jim Carpenter, Acrylic on Paper, 9 1/2" x 7 1/2"
Ah! I need solitude. I have come forth to this hill at sunset to see the forms of the mountains in the horizon — to behold and commune with something grander than man. -Henry D. Thoreau [Journal, 14 August 1854]
Painting #21 Day #26 in the 30 Day Challenge - Solitude!
Although the word solitude can have some negative connotations, like loneliness and isolation. There is something positive to be said for seeking solitude from the business of the world. Thoreau leads the way in explaining the benefits of seeking solitude.
This painting was a struggle. I wanted it to be something much more elaborate and perhaps a bit more colorful, but it would have none of it. As I've noted before my paintings seem to have a mind of their own and don't care much one way or the other what I want. The paper has been through a lot of painting and scrubbing. It was in every orientation at least once and populated with many figures, but none of them were satisfying. I was very close to abandoning this piece of paper forever. I suppose a little bit of solitude would have helped both the painting and me at that point. So I left and had dinner.
When I returned to it I decided to start on a new piece altogether but I kept being called back to this now aged piece of paper. I had two figures in it, superimposed and not very successfully. I kept thinking "get rid of one of the figures" and then argued with myself "but if you do that there will be only one figure and there's nothing else going on in that painting." Then I thought about several other paintings in which I had just one solitary figure. And I thought, "Keep it Simple, Jim" and so I said to the painting, "If that is what you want to be, then so be it." I proceeded with the idea that this was going to be a simple painting with simple shapes and a simple neutral palette. And now, I sort of love this painting.
Jim I love this. Looks almost as if he is looking out from the balcony, taking in the view. The figure looks strong and stands tall. I personally am one who craves solitude. I rarely feel "alone" because my mind is so busy. I am not anti-social. But I am comfortable with my own company.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you did not abandon this!
Sheila, thank you for your words. This "nearly abandoning" a painting seems to be part of my process. You'd think I'd be used to it by now! I think that things have been feeling hectic lately with the challenge and with a show coming up next week... and I think that is where this painting and the reflection came from.
DeleteJim, thanks for visiting my blog. I noticed your work through Leslie's challenge as well and I do like it quite a lot! As for solitude, only yesterday I posted about needing time and space for myself...it's a huge struggle.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Yevgenia. I wonder if the 30 day challenge is maybe catching up with all of us. I mean it would be interesting if suddenly we were all painting and blogging about wanting some solitude. Ha! I'm going to read your post now. I've been crazy busy and haven't had any time to visit the 30 in 30 site except to post my blog.
DeleteHi Jim! Thank you so much for taking the time to post a comment on my blog! Like you, I have been beyond busy with this 30 in 30. I had already clicked on one of your paintings and decided that as soon as this challenge is over, I'm going back and read all your blogs and really study your art. You are amazing! You can only imagine how surprised I was to see your name come up with a comment on my blog! Can't wait to see more of your work! Are you on Facebook?
ReplyDeleteHi Martha,
DeleteI'm so glad you like my paintings and hope you enjoy them once the challenge is over. Yes, I am on Facebook. Here is the link to my page https://www.facebook.com/JimCarpenterArt - are you on there too? Send me your link and I'll "like" your page!