Pingere
what does that mean?
Pingere is a Latin verb that primarily means to paint or depict, and is the root of both picture and pigment. It also refers to adorning or decorating with colored designs. This archaic term is usually, but rarely, used to describe the creation of images in color.
Painting is always on my mind now. In the midst of everything else I’ve been doing over the last two years, I’ve been taking a few painting workshops to get back into the painting groove and segue into abstract work. Right now I’m experimenting and having fun.
Creating this new studio space is a reward for all the downsizing and organizing I’m doing, but it’s also a necessity for my sanity and new beginnings. As I clear one area, new ideas spring forth. Yesterday, while clearing out the screen porch cyanotype workshop supplies, I realized the baker’s stand and trays could hold my painting works in progress. I’m getting close to beginning….very close.
The day before, I was deciding what to do with the large (up to 30x22”) cyanotype prints that didn’t measure up to my standards. Tossing them felt like such a waste until… it dawned on me that, since they are on 140-lb watercolor paper, I could cover them with clear gesso and paint over them! The lack of clear gesso prevented me from doing it in an “I’ll just…” moment. More on that later.
I recently heard about UK artist Rose Wylie, who is celebrating her exhibit at the age of 91. Curious, I did a deep dive on her and ended up watching Rose & Roy on Apple TV. Very interesting couple and artwork. There’s also this Rose Wylie article - still a tour de force at 91, if you’re interested. Bottom line is that I still have plenty of painting time ahead of me.
I try to visit galleries and museums when I can; read artist autobiographies and biographies, or fill inspiration journals with gathered ideas and notes. I know this sounds a lot like “getting ready to get ready,” which is a popular form of procrastination, but I know what I am doing. I’m being more mindful of completing necessary tasks toward becoming Lesley Riley - the painter, instead of interrupting or stopping work on the big picture by letting the “I'll justs" derail my progress.
There’s a very old blog post floating in the internet ether about the “I’ll Justs”; one that I wrote long ago. It’s about how many times we interrupt ourselves from a task by thinking, “I’ll just… finish this piece I started last year; call Mary about Saturday; pull some weeds; organize the pantry; find that dinner recipe; etc.” because it will only take a minute. The next thing you know, you’ve forgotten all about the task you really wanted to complete. I know better, but I can still get waylaid by the "I'll just’s." I’m still working on self-discipline and the reward will be an organized, artist-ready studio.
So much to think and do. How about you?
Quotes of the Week
Each thing she learned became part of herself,
to be used over and over in new adventures.
Kate Seredy
I focus my energy on my true intentions.
I will not be distracted by noise, chatter,
or setbacks. Patience, commitment,
grace, and purpose will guide me.
Louise Hay
When you can clearly see yourself being there, you can see much more clearly how to get there. You can imagine the path to your dreams,
and then start to actually walk it. Imagine with passion and
detail how you’d most like it to be.
Ralph Marston
Our grand business in life is not to see
what lies dimly at a distance, but to do
what lies clearly at hand.
Thomas Carlyle
If I can begin to work I can accomplish so much in one session. But if I trip over those "I'll just"s, it's like a rock in the stream. So to avoid it I prepare my next step in the project and put it on the worktable so it's in the way, and I have to handle it before doing any "I'll just". Once my hands are on it, I work.
I have these issues as well! I recently came up with a way to go about getting something clearly done otherwise my 'list' just seems endless. I have a timer on my desk. I make a list of about 6 items I think I can do that day. Then I push the timer button and when it goes off, I do one of those things. It has been working well. A little more order and intention to it!