Our trades are back. Outside the coconut trees wave their leafy fronds as if greeting newly arrived friends, and the breeze in return brushes past with a cool embrace and whispers of storms far out to sea.
With the weight of the past week’s oppressive heat being lifted by the return of the trades, it feels good to get started on the next part of the journey across collage landscapes.
It has been a few years since I have traveled across these paths of collage, but like many journeys, if you walk a path long enough and far enough, you may begin to see familiar surroundings. Like the oddly shaped boulder at the curve in the road, or the cluster of trees that makes me think of a group of old friends telling secrets.
Painted map
Similarly, with painting the collage landscape, some portions, those previously lain down by the original loose under painting are easily recognizable, but in the beginning, the rest of the terrain seems new and strange and requires time to just sit and stare. This part can be very meditative, while focusing only on the collage, the external worries and distractions of the day are ignored and allowed to drift away, and as they do the mind begins to see a landscape emerge from the torn paper shapes on the table.
Collage under painting
After a while, once I have reminded myself for the umpteenth time to relax and not worry about the end result, I see my first ‘familiar’ shape. It is just a rock, a bit off to the side of the waterfall, but I like the shape and color, it becomes my starting point. From there I let my mind wander to the next connecting shape and then the next, like piecing together a puzzle, but only with my eyes and mind. Eventually I can ‘see’ the landscape, I have found the familiar shapes of the terrain, and am ready to begin painting and exploring.
Familiar shapes appear
The start might be slow at first, but with each step my confidence grows and the pace begins to quicken which is why I try to remember to stop periodically and take a step back. If I do not pause every now and then I might not notice that the path I seem to be following is a false trail and a better one is available. When that happens all I need to do is load my brush with water and lift the paint, much like sweeping away my footsteps from the pathway. I let the area dry and then begin again, only in a different direction. This back and forth business, sort of like a dialogue with the painting, will continue for the duration. Eventually I come to the end of the landscape but not the journey.
A landscape explored
I will let the piece sit for a few days and come back to look at it again with fresh eyes to see if there will be any changes made or not. In the meantime another collage landscape is waiting to be discovered and the adventure continues.
I love the image of the palm trees waving to their friends
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Thank you Karen, most kind of you to say so.
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Boy this is inspirational work! Love it! Thanks for sharing your process also. 💛
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Thank you for your kind and positive encouragement!
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What gorgeous art you create and thank you for sharing your process – food for the creative soul. Best, Catherine (aka Seedbud).
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Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. I can offer in return my sincere appreciation for your lovely work which not only inspires but also refreshes the creative spirit and soul. Most humbly, Haunani.
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I’m perusing your posts and just wanted to say I love your collages! Following your blog now and I look forward to seeing more of your art.
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Thank you for the kind words and thank you for visiting. I have enjoyed looking through your blog as well, your artwork is delightful and really makes me smile while your photos of pies and fresh produce from the garden makes me hungry, (and at the same time inspires me to plan a garden of my own). Until next time…peace!
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Thank you so much! It’s really wonderful to connect with like-minded folks who also happen to be lovely souls! 🙂
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Your words and brush strokes collide to make beautiful art. Thank you for sharing. I’m following your blog for more inspiration.
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What lovely words and encouragement. Thank you so much, and thank you for visiting. Until next time, peace.
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I have done my fair share of painting on collages, so I can relate to your work. The detail you have brought out with your colours are just fantastic. x
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. I have so enjoyed visiting your site and am humbled that you came to visit me. Peace.
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This is beautiful!
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Thank you for your kind words and for visiting.
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