Trusting the Process
This is a painting I completed a couple years ago titled “Sedge Bear” (24×30). I was originally inspired by an image that included a bear wading into shallow water but it was the atmosphere that really drew me more than the subject. The background was purple-blue with splotches of green and I loved the vision of an S-shaped bank of sedge grass.
But what I’m really here to talk about is the process. Painting is messy…and I’m not only talking about how I will get dioxazine purple all over my hands even if I only use a tiny drop. For me, paintings often start as a feeling of inspiration, like a hint that I’m on the right track in my brain.
Recently, I wanted to start a painting of a heron. My initial reaction was to paint a close up of it’s face and beak, but as I was searching for reference photos I found an image that contained bunches and stalks of tangled dead grass and reeds similar to this one:
As I was sitting at my computer I actually blurted out loud “Oh no” because something fired inside my brain and now I have to paint a heron in grass like this and my brain will not let me rest until I do.
(I promise I am getting back to the bear.)
The series of images below are some progress pictures of how Sedge Bear came into being. I think the evolution of a painting is incredible. For me, it’s like unfurling my creative process, seeing every frustration, seeing the tiny stroke that fixed a massive problem, and the inspiration that pushed me to keep going.
Which brings me to what I’m working on below. Right now it’s unkempt, it’s blocky, unrefined, and a little spastic. I know this is going to be a very challenging endeavour with the detail in all the grass, but I have a mindset that gives me a bit of resilience to the surmounting task. The painting process is messy, you need to get your hands dirty, hold onto the feeling of inspiration, and above all - trust the process.
Currently on the Easel
Recent and recurrent inspiration
My resident red squirrel Mama has been very busy.
Thank you so much for supporting me and my creative endeavour. I appreciate all of you.
As always, check out my website for more art and to see what’s available for purchase. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you want some art for your walls.
🩷🖌️ Meagan
www.meaganlauren.com