The Nazca Monkey Painting

Hi, My name is John Russell, I started painting in Lima, Peru during my tour of South America. Every night, Tourist and locals alike would meander through the park, gazing at souveniers and paintings done by local artists. It gave me the idea of having a go myself. So the next day I went off to the local art store and bought some equipment. I went back to my hotel and set about creating my first painting. I had not done any drawing or anything Arty before, So I really was not expecting much. I laid everything on the bed and desk, I opened and squeezed the blue tube of paint onto my little plastic pallete. The vibrantcy of the Ultra Marine Blue, Just blew me away. I was tranfixed by the colours. It was a defining moment for me. after completing the picture, I felt so fullfilled and happy. I stayed in Lima for some time. visiting Matchu Pitchu and a trip down to the Nazca Dessert to see the famouse Nazca Lines. They were fasinating. I was spellbound. It inspired me to come back to Lima and paint them. I did about ten canvases, which are up in my bedroom as I write. Luckily, I was on my way back to England after Peru. And with me I transported 35 canvases. Now back in England and my canvases have risen to nearly one hundred. I only paint when I feel like it, as I believe I have to be in the mood to wave my brush. Its not something I can pull out of a hat. I have to have the momentum and an idea of what I want to do. And even then my ideas change enrout. But thats part of the fun. I must point out also that I am not a fine fine painter of realism. I am a ruggered Artisan painter. I paint quickly and with feeling. I some times use the canvas as a pallete, I dont care what is right or wrong. it is what is right for me at that moment. With each stroke of the brush and each twist of the wrist, The colours mix and come to life. You can see the colours stream like blood in the veins. I feel Excitement as the trigger of invention creates shape and form, and I feel a beat of my heart hitting the canvas when I complete. There is nothing like the culmanation of expression, form and beauty combining.