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A lull. “A temporary interval of quiet or lack of activity.”  In my case, I don’t think a lull is a bad thing. After all, by definition, it is temporary. Perhaps I am merely percolating in this age of espresso. 

I believe that this lull is largely related to my current exhibit. I am still emotionally attached to my exhibit of urbanscapes. I want to share these paintings but, at the same time, I hesitate to make more.  Meanwhile, my exhibit partner, gallery owner,  and I need some closure to our event and will, therefore, have a closing reception on November 30. Perhaps the the lull will end with the exhibit. 

But there is another huge lull factor. My regular Monday portrait session is on hiatus until the new year. So, the rhythm of my week has changed. This is a bit of a letdown. I love painting portraits.  And even though my portraits do not garner much attention, I do not consider painting them a waste of time. Somehow, my mind set about painting portraits from life is different than painting urban pieces in the studio. 

But there are possibilities and exceptions. There has been some talk about another opportunity with my current city paintings or other older pieces. And, I might apply for a display at the airport. I am still participating in a weekly figure drawing session and a monthly portrait session. Two days ago I painted four 11x11 paintings for the annual December show at the Square i Gallery. I did all four at once, like giving birth to quadruplets. Now they have to dry and be framed. Maybe I’ll say bye to a lull. 

Dear Friend.  Thank you for sending me photos to use as references for future paintings. The photos are gorgeous…European streets, doors, buildings. I wish that my own travels were documented with such stunning images. You even acknowledged that, since I always include people in my paintings, I might have to transport some folks to these idyllic locations.

Being pre-occupied with the opening of my exhibit, I did not adequately thank you. Nor, truthfully, had I figured out a graceful way of declining your generous offer. If I told you that I will not be using the photos as painting references because there are no people, I would have been giving a feeble excuse. Some of the photos do have people and others could be populated if need be. A candid answer is more complicated than that. I believe that I am working on an authentic response now, as I write.

I have previously noted that my photo references for my urban paintings “are not all that interesting. They would probably not find their way into any of my photo albums. Their lack of pose, vividness, or event are not the stuff for Instagram. But, these same images challenge me.” In contrast, your photos would be the stars of my photo albums. They are stately, charming, and vivid. They would garner many likes on Instagram. 

If I painted from these photographs, I would have no choice but to attempt to reproduce their unmistakable elegance with an exact rendering. As an artist, I have chosen a different direction. I do not paint with precision nor do I depict every detail. Instead, I paint with visible strokes and amplified colors in order to present a likeness that is not photographic. I seek the hidden beauty of my subjects. I want to tease out their unique, subtle, and essential aspects. I aim to express mannerisms, quirks, ambiance, vitality…life. 

The beauty and charm of my newly acquired photos are not hidden. They stand alone without my assistance. So, rather than painting from these images, I would simply love to save and savor them. Thank you so much.

Sincerely, Jacki