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Framing. I have decided to frame my Sheltered paintings. I actually purchased a dozen frames and slipped each of my recent paintings into a frame. This makes no sense. Except for one painting to be included in the upcoming exhibit at the Claremont Museum of Art, these paintings do not have a gallery destination. Furthermore, they have been posted here and on social media, where no frame was needed. And yet...

I had a strong desire to put these paintings in frames. I am trying to figure this out. Perhaps this final act is simply designed to bring closure to this artistic adventure. In a way, I think that I am acknowledging that this work was significant to me. So, I plan to hang the framed paintings in my studio and enjoy them. And yet...

I am admittedly fantasizing that they will be exhibited. I imagine that they would look great in a framed group hanging on a real wall with real labels. I would like to share the actual paintings with friends. But, since they are not for sale, no gallery ought to waste its wall space. And yet...

I could exhibit them in front of my house, as one art friend has done. Easels on the driveway and sidewalk, spaced six feet apart? I would consider that if I had ten easels. Or... I can look forward to better times, when I can invite you to my home and you can view each painting in its “room.” But then, do I really want friends to check out my bathroom? Maybe.

Strange Behavior. I checked my emails in the wee hours when I got bored sleeping. Jerry’s Artarama sent me an email requesting a review of a product that I had ordered. Now I typically give Jerry the brush-off, even when I buy brushes. But my nocturnal notions colored my view. The color is Titanium White. And hence my review.  

M. Graham Titanium White. A five ounce tube. Unlike luscious Q Red and Pthalo Green, one doesn’t oooh and aah over T White. But here I might.

First of all, you can’t mix it or create a suitable substitute. We can make a black, but not a white. Especially a bright white.

Secondly, T White is most often invisible, like the titanium in my leg. You may not know it’s there, because it can hide.

Third... T white brings value to my paintings. Are my paintings worth more because of T White? Probably. Because my lights are lighter and my darks are darker. Now, that’s value. You ask “how can T White make darks darker”? Contrast.

My most recent painting was delayed until UPS delivered my T White. I couldn’t begin this painting until I loaded it on to my palette. And, now you know why...T White is both invisible and dramatic.

Now, why am I rhapsodizing when a simple five stars will do? Because all the stars are out. It’s the middle of the night. My mind is racing with thoughts of T White.

This strange behavior taught me a lesson. If I ponder something long and hard, I am rewarded. In this case, by narrowing my focus exclusively (I will call this strange behavior ASA…Attention Surplus Ability) on Titanium White oil paint, my brain just stormed. I recalled information from art instruction and I contemplated my own painting practice. I gained new insight. By playing with different aspects of the topic, I gained a more dynamic appreciation. I think that being in the mindset to manipulate ideas, images, and experiences is fundamental to the creative process.