Coffee All Around oil/canvas 11 x 14 x .5
Ina Garten would not be pleased. During this pandemic, I, like many others, have taken to reading cooking hints, blogs and recipes that come to my phone...often in lieu of "real news". And, I must say, I enjoy them! One of Ina's best articles, I think, had to do with one of her first dinner parties where she prepared omelettes (?) for her guests, keeping her in the kitchen during the entire evening. Afterwards, she realized that in order to enjoy the evening, she needed to plan ahead. Preparing all of the entrees well in advance allows her greater freedom during these events, in addition to enjoying the foods.
Well....as a painter, I, too, understand the necessity of planning ahead for a given painting. Sketching for many reasons(to understand the nature of the subject; to plan for a more exciting composition; and to plan values of the entire work ((including the "background"))) allows for less floundering with paint and fewer brushstrokes, leading to a much fresher work. And, whenever I skip this important step, mostly due to lack of time, I flounder and am forced to decision-make on the surface. Guilty as charged. After several iterations in the background values, and the skipping around wipe-outs while trying to alternate hard and soft edges to my satisfaction, I was finally pleased. Wouldn't it have been easier to spend extra time on the sketches, giving me a road map to follow?
Lesson learned. Again.
