Colourful Containers, NDG, Montreal

Many potential scenes catch my attention as I walk around, but often the light is bad, or the spot is difficult. This scene was on the south train tracks where I have made a few paintings lately, along the road is a bike path on one side and a narrow sidewalk on the other. I had about 2 meters of grass to sit back on, trying to avoid the passer-byes. Unfortunately someone tried to sneak a peak and I told them to stand back because of the social distancing. I knew it would be a problem as this is a busy sidewalk, so I generally rushed this painting more than usual.

What does it feel like to make a painting on location? Part of it is fear, like being embarrassed of having a bad result, or sitting somewhere you really shouldn't be sitting ( I avoid private property or secluded places). A lot of it is hope and exhilaration, kind of like waiting in line to go on a roller coaster. Then, intense focus, an almost zen like meditation. In the midst of doing a painting the reality I am seeing, and the painting I am working on start to merge, almost dreamlike. Anxiety is intense because every element of the painting is alive- the water wet, the paper blank, the details waiting. The last thing is 'now I just gotta sign it!'. As I stand up, the pain comes, aching knees a sore back, brush hand sore, thumb holding palette is raw. My mind is mushy and blank, so I walk at least 10 -15 minutes before I can do the next scene. At home, more fear and anxiety to see what the result was like! Finally a sense of pride and accomplishment, and the entertainment of writing a blog, posting on facebook, and seeing some comments and likes.

7 x 10" rough press, watercolour, May 2020