30 works 30 days: A Painting Every Day During April: Hope

'Landscape Reverie,' ink, acrylic and gesso on cardboard, 42 x 24 cm

In my previous post I mentioned lethargy. I have noticed that during this time of coronavirus it seems quite common and manifests itself in many ways. I have friends who simply can't paint at this time. There's no right or wrong way to deal with the deadly situation and constantly worsening news, and personally I find distraction in trying to extend my art practice each day. It helps me feel connected with the world by exploring my inner world, and colour always uplifts me. There may be external restrictions but my inner landscapes run free.

I'm posting a few of the recent paintings made this last week and which have been loaded to the thirty works website. I don't want to slacken because if you miss a day you are out! I'm not following the briefs, I'm using the challenge to create ideas for new work which I will start as soon as my new materials come though I don't know when they will be delivered. However, there is something to be gained by working on unusual materials such as cardboard. They make you re-think your process and of course working speedily brings its own insights whether they are recognising new territory or falling short of one's intention.

'Spring Marching Across Winter,' ink, gesso and acrylic on cardboard, 42 x 24 cm

These 3 on cardboard are suggesting ways I could work with oil paint on canvas. I'm quite excited because through doing this project I've cut some corners and found several new forms and ways of applying paint. 

'Spring Marching Across Winter' was inspired by my daily walks when I noticed the greys, browns and warm neutral colours of winter being gradually invaded by fresh, vibrant greens and the luscious colours of flowers. 'Invasion' is about the way that the structures and meanings we hold as permanent in our lives can be turned upside down in a moment. I liked the immediacy of these 3 paintings but may layer oil paint on future canvases while trying to keep to the spirit of these mixed media works.

'Invasion,' gesso, ink and acrylic on cardboard, 42 x 24 cm

My favourite is the first one because I feel it is more complete though the other 2 have prompts that can be extended when I work on canvas. It's such a good project because it generates energy and a sense of a positive link with the future. Working gives me a more balanced way to think about the current situation and gives me hope.

Making Art During the Coronavirus: Normal Activities Can Create Hope

'The Sound of Colour: Fiona's Place,' acrylic on canvas, 93 x 72 cm

Since I last wrote over a month ago our daily life has changed drastically. A month ago the Coronavirus had not taken its pernicious hold on the UK; it seemed to be something that was only really affecting the rest of the world. 

The UK is now in lockdown since Monday night and like much of the world we have to completely reconsider how we do things daily. Some normal activities are no longer possible or restricted. Even today, on such a lovely sunny Spring day, my husband and I had to choose a route for a walk that was not overlong and decreased our contact with other people. To write this seems really strange and would have been unthinkable a month ago. At this point in time I'm wondering how much further these restrictions will have to go.

Some of my paintings, which featured people in physical or close contact, as in the painting below, now represent a time that we may not see for several months or longer. Imagery has ceased to have its usual values and certain imagery, both moving and still, has quickly taken a different, questionable meaning. Seeing videos of packed supermarkets with counters overflowing with fruit and vegetables in between News reports underlines how much has changed in a very short time. Similarly, adverts featuring holidays and gatherings of people on beaches or at parties now appear part of a past lifetime.

'Social Integration, Peace and Opening Up,' oil and acrylic on canvas, 100 x 140 cm (exhibited at the Dafen 1st International Oil Painting Biennale, 2018/19)

As artists we now find that exhibitions which were planned some time ago, gallery opportunities and our source of income has also been impacted on. Much is uncertain and several of my own exhibitions are now postponed. However, I've been selected for an interview for a high quality online art magazine called Art Habens which will be viewable in April and I'm busy writing answers to the interview questions. This sends a positive strand in to the future for me personally.

Personally I always feel I can keep going  through the positive impact of colour. My artwork inspires hope for the future and making it gives me a sense that life will return to normal at some point. It's a strong link with the future and I always believe in being optimistic.

At the same time, I'm exploring new ways to work as the art shops locally have closed and I'm not sure how long online art suppliers will continue to deliver materials. This has been a worry because I have several large paintings to make for exhibitions later this year. On the positive side, working with my collage series is still possible at this time as I have a large supply of cardboard, papers, paints and inks.  One of my favourite collages is the one below.

'B Went Missing In The Land,' mixed media on cardboard, 51 x 38 cm

People will keep continuing to find ways to feel as normal as they can. People will find ways to be inventive and to adapt to the new routine and life. One of the best things about modern technology is that whereas in World War 2 when they had only phones to contact one another, we have social media and can contact each other online, through Skype, through Messenger, and by sharing pictures and our thoughts. No one needs to feel alone, and there's always the phone if you don't have other means of contact. 

Every morning before I start to paint I view paintings on social media by my friends and it really lifts my mood. It was always part of my daily routine but now is more so. Art may be at the bottom of the list of things to buy right now when people are having to reduce visits to the supermarket, but online it can give joy to others and I've already been told by followers across social media that my artwork has lifted their mood. That's really warming to know during this time of social isolation. 

'The Sailor's Song,' acrylic on canvas, 50 x 60 cm

This last painting is about Hope. My father was in the Royal Navy and was a Commander with his own ship during the second World War. He used to tell me about the times he piloted a ship over 100 foot waves and dangerous moments navigating around icebergs. He also spoke about prayers to reach land safely when at sea in peril. This painting is about a rough sea in the evening, with high waves and rocks, and in the distance is the shoreline and safety. The boats are headed there.

Stay safe and well!