Another move forward



'moorland in summer' 12 x 18 inches oil on canvas.

This is the second of five paintings that I have been very slowly working on since Christmas. This painting is a work of the imagination it is a place I visited on the isle of Skye many years ago and I remember how changeable the skies are on this island. The tiny specks of wild flowers or grasses in for the foreground are yellow and represent hope.

  I had another set back these last two weeks when I was only able to paint for a very short while due to my shoulder giving me trouble again. I think, fingers crossed my osteopath may have sorted it out! but I still need to move carefully forward.  Yet this whole business of my grumpy shoulder! has made me think a lot about how much we all dream of being able to have more time or less of a grumbly complaint so that we can actually paint! yet in my day dreams and late evening dreams I have at least be able to think about my present paintings and to learn from past mistakes and about how important it is to think about what we do when we set about painting.


  It was a strange feeling coming into my studio on Monday evening and knowing that I had to give it a couple more days before I could paint as my osteopath had just given me that morning a very good session on my shoulder.  She always kindly says when I am about to go home that I must rest my shoulder that day and take care with it during the following day. Yet I just had to hold my paint brush and then simply knew what was the next thing I needed to do to my painting yet I had to be wise and wait!  It does all feel a bit like I am writing a poem, if I am going to make a comparison, there is that time when you just know what it is you want to say yet you are unable to find the words or are miles away from pen and paper being out on a walk at the time. Something else happens! the ideas and the visions or plans gets buried deep inside, all feeling a bit as if autumn leaves are falling slowly and gently on top yet being light enough to conceal, they do not really remove them (the visions).  

Often during the twilight hours or at times of darkness the yearning for the light to shine out really seems to be at it's most strongest.  When all is silent the mind and it's pictures comes to life and truely inspires the inner eye.  I have been able to remember what it is I need to do with the painting that is on the easel now, that distant unreachable painting, for now at least!

I look forward to sharing another of my paintings with you soon.  

Happy painting to you all!

14 comments:

  1. I hope your shoulder is well again soon. Perhaps the slow down has added an extra dimension to your working structure? I certainly love this imaginary scene!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rhonda, well I am learning to be a bit more patient and to think things through more, but .....! I want to paint! many thanks for your comment and for dropping by!

      Delete
  2. Love the painting, Caroline - as atmospheric, delicate and meaningful as ever. Sorry to hear about your shoulder but I hope it recovers steadily and you get to paint more! All the best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rob I did manage to do a bit today just couldn't wait! many thanks for your comment.

      Delete
  3. People don't realise how physical painting can be - in fact, we only notice when our bodies aren't up to it!

    I hope the shoulder heals soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rolina it is true you wouldn't think painting would be at all physical but it is. Thank you for dropping by, loved your business cards by the way!

      Delete
  4. This is so exquisitely portrayed... The combination of colors and movement evoke such strong emotion and sense of atmosphere (hard to describe but it's really powerful!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Katherine lovely to hear from you, really enjoyed your latest blog post the little boy by the elephants is incredible what detail! thank you for your comment.

      Delete
  5. Good morning Lass!... Sorry to learn that you are under the weather! Rest is essential for the painter, as is listening to one's physician.

    I customarily construct word thoughts (prose) and occasionally a poem in my sketch books and on my computer which are derived from painting sites... or ideas. I include them afterward with the actual painting au verso. Perhaps a journal of sorts with a rough notan sketch in ink might comfortably whet your impulse and need to paint???...

    I wonder...

    But good luck with it Caroline. Thinking of you!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Bruce, thank you for visiting my blog and for your very wise words. I have been inspired to write before painting but I like your idea of prose and a poem in a sketch book. A journal is a nice idea too. Another way of expression when making the journey to the easel! many thanks to you.

      Delete
  6. Hope you have a full recovery soon. I always enjoy your atmospheric paintings so would love to see you back painting full time.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Jean just made inquiries into learning the Alexander Technique so hope to hear from them soon. Nice to see you will be over to your blog tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Stunning light! A great painting.

    So sorry to hear of your dicky shoulder, I know the frustration that you are feeling. (Although for different reasons) Studio time is so precious. I hope you are fighting fit soon.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Many thanks and lovely to hear from you Lisa! I hope the little one is enjoying life with you in the studio!

    ReplyDelete