Number 5 Painting

Angles and lines, repeating patterns, and some circles - for relief. Angles and lines represent boundaries. I like boundaries, they make me feel safe, as do repeating patterns. They’re comforting because they’re familiar and expected. I’m an introvert and I find it stressful to cope with turmoil. So, I paint. I begin by drawing little sketched patterns on paper, dividing space. It frees me of distractions so I can focus my thoughts. I start to see things happen within the drawing and an idea for a painting begins to emerge. I transfer the drawing to the canvas. Alkyd (oil) is my medium of choice, but I also paint in acrylics. As I paint, I feel myself move into the painting. I work until I find what I’m looking for -- balance, harmony in smooth color fields, edgy transitions between the angles and lines, repeating patterns, and then some circles - for relief.