So - I wrecked three wee paintings last night - panic painting, my hands hurt, it is cold and we have the first forecast of real snow, the nights are drawing in, I begin yet another part time job in a couple of weeks, I can't seem to even give my paintings away, and - it is a long time till spring.
Sand, de-icer, snow shovel, jumpers, stocking up on food. Three months of snow? I am hearing the 'winter dreads' all round - not without good cause - and for anyone who is chivvying us to get into the festive spirit - stop a minute and try and imagine what it is like for others - forced cheerfulness can only go so far.
It gets me to wondering, if I can beat the dreads this winter and, instead of becoming soft and sleepy, somehow emerge from layers of woollens in spring, toned, strong and with something worthwhile achieved. Somehow conjure up 'A Project' - a body of work, first draft of a novel, hand-sew a patchwork quilt cover, master chess, learn a new language........or, maybe the magic trick is to just get through the winter.
This past week:
I have had three of my daily paintings shared on Des Arts UK's Facebook page for their portrait share - these three images, below a bit different from the usual landscapes, but reminded me that I used to draw faces a lot - and may do a whole month of daily 'face' paintings.
Also, this week - my painting 'Night's Grain' - below - has had a bit of a surge of interest on tumblr.
- Painting Status - can't even give them away
- Writing Status - on going
- Hat Status - winter hat firmly in place
F. E. Clark, November, 2013.