Time and Attention
This year’s theme is Time and Attention, gentle reader! What does that mean? I will be sure to explain shortly. But first, a warm welcome to you. Whether you are a long time reader or new, I will share the purpose of this post and blog. Then share work in progress.
First Things First
Since 2020, I have selected a theme for my paintings. It started off as a suggestion from fine artist and friend, Liz Floyd. I am so grateful for this idea for so many reasons! Here are a few:
- Structure – having a theme gives me structure to my day/week/month/year
- Context – having a theme helps me have context for each painting
- Focus – having a theme keeps me focused
As the year came to a close, I enjoyed thinking about the theme for 2023. In fact, this past month, I had three or four ideas percolating at once. So, I will share the ‘runner up’ theme idea. Why? Because it’s definitely going to be relevant as I work away in the studio in 2023.
True Colors
That’s right! The runner up for this year’s theme was “True Colors.” And, this idea is inspired by the original version of the song by Cyndi Lauper. But, I hesitate to use this as the theme. Why? Because I am literally talking about the colors I will use this year. Not so much the song’s message. Right? Caveat: I may add one more color to the palette for plein air painting this year. The colors, for now, are in the photograph below:
Here’s a list too: Alizarin Crimson Permanent, Cadmium Red, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Lemon Yellow, Phthalo Turquoise, Ultramarine Blue, Ivory Black and Titanium White. Eight colors is a lot less than the 26 colors on the palette at the art school I attended. Right?
Why then limit my palette to a mere eight in 2023? Several reasons! First, when I paint outdoors I want to limit the colors and all the other supplies I bring. Ideally, my palette is 2 reds, 2 yellows and 2 blues plus white. This palette is very close to that except I also include Ivory Black. Why? It was verboten in art school. And, now that I have used it especially to mix greens, I consider it more of an essential blue color than black.
More Color Thoughts
Here’s another reason to reduce the colors on my palette. Over the last several months, I have heard some artists talk about times when they have limited their palettes. For instance, Josh Clare painted with just three colors: red,yellow, blue, for several years while in college. Another painter I admire, Claudia Rilling, mentioned she spent two years mixing her own greens.
I am inspired by each of these artists to paint with fewer colors on my palette. The good news is that I do not feel restricted by this limitation at all. Stay tuned. At some point, I may find myself longing for more color choices. We’ll see! Either way, I will fess up and share what happens here in this blog.
Time and Attention Time
So now it’s time to focus on the reason for the theme of Time and Attention. First, have any of you noticed how delightful it is when either you or someone you know gives you their time and attention? And, I don’t mean sit across from each other and stare at your phones. I mean phones away, eyes aware and looking at, attentively to whomever you are with. It’s a gift!
This year I look forward to giving my time and attention to painting, drawing, family and friends. There are implications to this too. Such as? Well, I do plan to share a post with a painting once a week. However, there may be times when a painting needs more time. This is a personal and subjective decision. But it’s worthwhile to let you know this.
I confess this week, we had some travel adventures planned. Yes I brought my paints but I (drew everyday) did not paint. Why? I was around people who I wanted to listen to and…well…share my time and attention. And, so I did just that and it was a delight.
Work In Progress
So here’s a sneak peek of a section of a painting in progress. I started it a week ago. When I returned to the studio today, I was thrilled at how clearly I could see what this painting needed. Being away from this painting for several days truly helped. Grateful!
Taking time with this painting further supported my thinking about this year’s theme. What about you gentle reader? How are you thinking about your time and attention in 2023? I would love to hear your thoughts! Please share in the comments below and Happy New Year!
Worthy themes, both of them! I just listened to a famous wise person whose name escapes me at the moment, saying how giving our attention to someone else is the greatest gift we can give. Must be the time to do that! Have fun with it this year. Excited to see what creations come from your time and attention to painting.
Hi Beth, Yay! Glad you like the attention. Seems were both on track to pay some time and attention to others this year. lots o love xoxo
Julie,
I really like what you are doing here with a limited palette. And isn’t it true that when you limit your palette you can mix colors that couldn’t come out of a tube. I also like the way you have blocked things out in chunky shapes and broad brushstrokes.
Time and attention: I love that theme.
Kristina
Hi Kristina, Wow I had never heard that it’s possible to mix colors that may not come out of a tube before! That’s another reason to keep it simple. It definitely is taking me a bit more time to mix the secondary colors…orange, green and purple, for instance. But, I love the way the paint feels after I mix it up with the palette knife: buttery! And, my mind is getting a hands on chance to learn about the tinting properties of these 6 colors, among other things.
Also, thank you for noticing the chunky shapes and broad brush strokes. That is definitely a by product of art school and a worthy aim, in my opinion, as a painter.
Thank you for your insightful comments! lots o love xoxo
Love this year’s theme, Julie! Yes, time and attention are so called for in this age of many “communication” gadgets and misguided notions of “multi-tasking.” Time to slow down and enjoy the discoveries one makes stepping away from a painting, for example, and seeing it with fresh eyes when you come back to it. Also, I love your description of spending face-to-face time with the people you love without any distractions. Like it was lovely spending time with you a few weeks ago! xoxo
I think the time and attention we give ourselves is important, too. Hoping to do that more this year.
Rock on! Looking forward to seeing that painting whenever you feel it has received as much time and attention as you feel it needs.
Hi Alexandra, Thank you! I have always admired your ability to keep communication gadgets under control at work and home. You could do a Ted Talk on that I think. But never mind…we have paintings to paint, right?
It was fantastic to see you and your other half in person. We had such a delightful time even though it felt fleeing and brief. And, yes, you’re right, we need to pay attention to our own time.
Take care, thank you for your wonderful thoughts here and here’s to 2023! lots o love xoxo
xoxoxoxoxo