Hi!
Just a while ago, Wes and I sat down for our traditional Saturday morning breakfast. You may recall that the food itself is anything but traditional because I'm always experimenting.
I want to tell you about how this morning's breakfast inspired not only a painting, but a painting challenge.
Let's start with the photo-reference above.
That's a jar of spiced pear topping that I put up last night. We used it piping hot on our pancakes with a generous dollop of whipping cream. As I was putting it away, I noticed how the light passed through the jar and immediately saw a painting in it.
Now, I have learned to take advantage of moments like this before the inspiration dissolves and floats away.
So instead of doing the dishes right away, I went to set this up for a still life painting and took one quick image of it with my phone. I did very little editing and some things will definitely change for the painting. As in all of my work it should tell a story and awaken a memory in those who see it.
Now for the painting challenge part.
Remember those changes I spoke about last time? Well one of them involves getting my work seen by more eyes. And what better way to do that than to let some other people share in the fun by offering a challenge.
I will announce this on social media as soon as I decide specifics, but I'm giving you an early heads-up.
Unlike the challenge I did last March, this will shine a spotlight on other people's art along with my own.
The challenge will run the whole month of October on Instagram and you will be able to participate by making one or more paintings based on one of the two photo references that I will provide (one complex, one simple). You do NOT have to be a professional artist to participate.
If you don't want to make art, or don't have time, you can join the fun by liking and sharing your favorites. Or you can simply watch us having fun and you'll get to see other people's art even if you are not on Instagram yet.
I haven't decided the rules for participating or even what the prize will be yet. But it will not be based on perfect painting technique. My purpose is to give people a fun and exciting experience and get some new eyes on my work.
This is something I've been working up to for some time and I wanted you and others on my private email list to be the first to know about it.
Stay tuned and listen to a little birdsong each day!
Jan
