Awakening

"Awakening" Oil on Canvas 2016

Another cycle of Spring awakens. The mornings are getting lighter and my alarm chimes earlier. Every morning  another blue to  pinkish dawn light greets me. It is beautiful here, even though the almond blossom feels long gone, other plants appear on a weekly basis. The pleasure of collecting wild asparagus, rosemary and thyme fills me with such a joy, every time I walk. And recently wild chicory too!

My studio feels crowded. Ive got three large paintings well under way. One in fact I feel is finished.

I noticed its been a slow process of letting go these last few months, as the threads of my ideas initially woven together quite tightly have come out onto the canvas. The more I get into the work, the more confidence and excitement I have about opening up to a looser way of working. But I crave detail too. So it’s a fine balance.

So many layers, so many ideas, and each one is heard, considered, tried out and then possibly erased, or kept. It’s a symphony of chattering and conversation. Then a hush, and in the stillness something arrives. Space arrives, the painting breaths out and pulls me in. Then a sense of certainty arrives; it flutters in and alights on the canvas. Though even certainty can be flighty and may not stay long. A gentle cautious wrapping round of the magic glimpsed and a steady quiet step is the way to walk back into the painting. Im drinking lots of tea!

With each element of a composition individually waiting for my attention the days here in the studio get divided up with ease.  Today some of the hair and a tree in another painting, then perhaps the clouds in another…  The blending of all elements are considered simultaneously and more of a cacophony than a whispered conversation fills the space at times! Im meditating lots too and walking. It helps to quiet the mind and let the imagination settle a little into the heart. These paintings need the right environment in which to land!

Alongside my painting Ive been taking part in a women’s world wide webinar course based on the four directions of native American teachings. A truly wonderful gift to have taken part in. Treesisters have just planted over 31,000 mangrove trees as a direct result of their course ‘Embracing The Wild’.

 But more about that later

…The tangles of hair in the wind are calling and need colour and form, plus coffee is ready!

Love and Light to you all

Charlotte Jane xx

P.s If you want to take a look round Treesisters beautiful site please check them out here www.treesisters.org