Brushes

Paint Brush (Labor Series)   watercolor   8.5 x 14

Brushes are our friends, sometimes our best friends. When we paint often enough, the brush becomes an extension of our hands, our wills and our hearts. When I was a child, I can remember wanting to paint alongside my father. As he didn't trust my skill-level, I was given a bucket of water and a large brush and told that I could paint the side of the garage, which was cement block. I painted happily, as I recall, enjoying the rhythm and the coverage. All went well until the water started drying up and I could no longer see the fruits of my labors. Bummer. These days my home is filled with brushes of all kinds....various handles and ferrules, with hairs from goats, ponies, squirrels and the beloved Kolinsky Sables. They are, to me, a symbol of creative work, no matter who is wielding them. Jack Lieberman shared his tips on cleaning with me - a bar of olive oil soap that sits alongside my sink. I clean them lovingly now and again. And they serve me well. "Paint Brush - Labor Series" was painted in one of my classes and was one of those odd paintings that seemed to paint itself....I think my heart was in it. The bristles are not perfect, but show signs of use.....off I go for today to pick up my best friend. We plan to work together.

Define Painter...

Paint Brush (labor series)   watercolor   8.5 x 14

There are many kinds of painters. Recently, my studio has been emptied....closed down....for a couple of weeks for home improvements and painting. Bummer. I have been avoiding it for several years, but it had to be done. Instead of painting, I have been watching my husband paint the walls and woodwork. Over the years, he has developed a seemingly effortless stroke....knowing just how much paint should be on the brush, and manipulating the brush in a rhythmic and sleight-of- hand fashion. No matter what task we are performing, repeating the action again and again gives us an ease and relaxation that not only aids the task, but also beckons us into "flow". Muscle memory is involved. Beginners often over-control and choke up on their brushes and pens, causing a stilted and awkward movement. Those who are more comfortable, with many hours under their smocks and painter's pants, move their hands up toward the handle tip, allowing more freedom, more expression and a lightness of touch. They hold the brush more loosely. Muscle memory is involved as well. So, for a while I am dedicated to endless cleanup and selecting of new colors. It has been said that you learn a lot in the off-season. "Paint Brush" - Labor Series can be seen at Hudson Fine Art and Framing.