Kick Start

"Stairs and Shadow"

Charcoal on Paper

(c) Lesley Powell 2021

This is the week that, but for COVID, I would have been in a painting class in Provence with Maggie Siner.  It's been an annual tradition for me most years over the past decade, and I've come to rely on it as a re-boot and source of inspiration for ongoing work.  This year I am having to reach deep within to find my own kick start.

"Stairs and Shadow"

Marker on Paper

(c) Lesley Powell 2021

Merriam Webster defines the term "kick start" as a way "to give new energy to [something]".  New energy is definitely a prerequisite to a satisfying painting practice.  A serious painter is always seeking new challenges, new ways of seeing, and new ways of creating.  That may involve using new materials, or using old materials in new ways.  

"Farm Buildings"

Charcoal on Paper

(c) Lesley Powell 2021

As for me, I have been working with some new materials.  For one thing, I have been exploring the world of drawing more deeply than in the past.  I have drawn with charcoal, with marker, with pencil, with conté.  Each of these has a different touch, and makes a different mark.  And I have drawn on different surfaces, ranging from "laid" paper (which has a ridged surface) to smooth art paper to plain ole newsprint. The variation is enough to keep me alert and to keep me from falling into a rut.

"My Studio"

Charcoal on Paper

(c) Lesley Powell 2021

Previously I tended to think of drawing as merely a preparatory step for painting.  Now I am trying to think of drawing as an end unto itself.  It's actually quite satisfying, and I find that I can explore new ideas more quickly than in paint.  I'm illustrating this post with a few of my drawing efforts.  Stay tuned for upcoming posts on other new materials being deployed in the studio...

News Flash

"T Reid Building, Morning"

12 x 8, Oil on Linen

(c) Lesley Powell 2021

Greetings, Faithful Readers.  Some of you have signed up to get my blog posts via email.  You would have used the "Follow by Email" widget on my blog page.  Alas, this feature is being discontinued, and starting in July you will no longer get automated emails with my blog posts.  I wish it weren't so, but unfortunately it is.

"Lyndhurst Avenue, Morning"

12 x 16, Oil on Linen

(c) Lesley Powell 2021

But all is not lost. You can still check for posts when the mood strikes, by going directly to PowellStudio.blogspot.com.  I post about every two weeks, which gives you some idea when to check.

"Backstage, Dilworth Artisan Station"

Oil on Linen

(c) Lesley Powell 2021

Also, if there is enough interest, I hope to try a group email feature, so I can notify you when there is a new post. If you'd like to be on this list, please go to my website LesleyPowellArt.com, and send me a message.  You can do that by clicking on any painting (including the big one on the home page), then using the "Contact the Artist" link at the bottom of the page.  All you need to say is "Put me on the email list."

I am grateful for everybody who reads the blog posts, and hope you will continue to follow along, even if you don't get the automated email alerts!  I'm illustrating this post with some recent paintings from around the Charlotte neighborhoods I frequent.  Enjoy!

How to Create

 On occasion I come across a book on a subject unrelated to painting, which nonetheless turns out to be a treasure trove of ideas that enhance my studio practices.  One of these is Stephen King's book On Writing.  You don't have to be a would-be novelist to love this book. If you are at all interested in the creative process, or simply in writing well, you will be rewarded by reading this one. I should have included it in my recent post on Summer Reading!

King's book is part memoir, part "how to" on writing. I found the memoir portion to be as instructive as the other parts on the subject of the creative process. His memoir provided proof that if you follow the things that have excited you since childhood, you are tapping into the best and most authentic material.  In King's case, think goblins, gore and things that go bump in the night.  

"Hermitage Road"

Oil on Linen

(c) Lesley Powell 2021

Here are a few quotes from the book that I find especially applicable to my own work. Faithful readers may also find that they contain important life lessons:

"You must not come lightly to the blank page."

"Good writing is often about letting go of fear and affectation."

"Luther Street Bungalow"

8 x 12, Oil on Linen

(c) Lesley Powell 2021

"If you want to be a successful writer, you must be able to describe [the experience], and in a way that will cause your readers to prickle with recognition."

"Description begins in the writer's imagination, but should finish in the reader's."

Untitled

Oil on Linen

(c) Lesley Powell 2021

And a personal favorite, so akin to what I strive for in simplification of my paintings:  "Good description usually consists of a few well chosen details that will stand for everything else."

"Backstage"

6 x 12, Oil on Canvas

(c) Lesley Powell 2021

I'm illustrating this post with some recent paintings, in which I tried to SEE clearly and DESCRIBE with a few details so that the work can be completed in the viewer's imagination.  Enjoy!