Tuesday, July 28, 2009

"Baby Steps"

5 x 7"
oil on masonite
sold

Unlike the norm, I've labored over another painting for 3 days. At some point, my stubborn side turns into exhaustion and I think the next day will magically take care of my failures. Most days have flow - few don't. It comes with the job. A lesson I learned a while back was to check on the rest of my life, see what's out of sorts - like a house that needs cleaning or laundry that needs washing. Simple things like that can preoccupy the mind and clog up the creative process. And most importantly, I shelved the 3-day failure, squeezed out a new palette of oils and I'm moving on.

This painterly piece was taken from the beaches of Hilton Head Island - a new mother introducing her child to the best playground, the beach.



18 comments:

Leslie Saeta said...

Oh Karin! This is a lovely painting- the composition is wonderful and as always it is painted superbly!

Ténèbres à la lumière... said...

Hi! Karin Jurick,
What a very beautiful painting!...
...You have captured a very realistic image, (using oil on masonite) and quite beautifully, if I may say so... of a mother introducing her small child to water at the beach.
Thanks, for sharing!
DeeDee ;-D

Ann Rogers said...

Thanks for sharing your trials and tribulations. Most of us think we are the only ones "suffering" through those days. This is another great addition to your beach series.

myra anderson said...

I need to take your advice! I love the impressionistic quality of this painting and I love the shadow of the babies foot! Too cute!

California Girl said...

Your "labor" was worthwhile. I am forwarding your post to a fellow blogger whose daughter just gave her a first grandchild.

LeSan said...

Surely I could not have read this correctly! Is this the three day labor failure? It is an exquisite painting. You captured a beautiful moment masterfully.

Janine said...

It is so alive, the woman, the child, the sea, everything is in motion. Wonderful

Gwen Bell said...

Wonderful, Karin! I love the red outline around the figure and of course your fantastic colors. The little girls hand outstretched toward the water is so endearing.

Marian Fortunati said...

I know it isn't good for you, but in a way it's good for those of us who so admire your work to know that you, too, have off days.

Obviously it didn't last long. Glad the spark is back!

Meagan said...

Karin,
this painting resonates so deeply with Mom's. That protection they give their children along with the joy of introducing them to all the wonders of the world that they haven't had a chance to explore yet. Thanks for the emotion you portray in your paintings, they inspire me so much.

Autumn Leaves said...

Definitely something to think on, Karin. I suspect it is at the root of many of my issues. At any rate, this is a gorgeous painting. I love how you've captured the movement in the mommy's dress. I can almost feel the wind ruffling my own clothes. I like the feel in this one!

Anonymous said...

"Simple things like that can preoccupy the mind and clog up the creative process."

Depressingly accurate. Btw I stumbled upon your blog and I'm struck dumbfounded by how wonderful your paintings are. Thank god you found your talent and shared it. It's really a bright spot in my day.

Jane Hunt said...

It's been said - but this is wonderful, really captures the feeling of being at the beach!

J Perrault said...

Hi, Very nice painting. Lots of detail in such a small format. I enjoy your website.

Diane Hoeptner said...

Yes, it's true: things unrelated to the miracle of making art--can and will drag you away in big and small ways. I love this post and as always your paintings are awesome!

Lois0607 said...

I have to agree with the comment that this painting resonates with moms. However, my first thought was of my mom and the family pictures we have of this moment. This painting is beautiful. I can almost feel the sun and hear the sounds of the beach.
Thanks

Alice Thompson said...

Karin, I love, love, love this piece.

Linda Rothchild Ollis said...

Karin,
How generous of you to share the side of being an artist that is often not mentioned.
Sometimes there is no flow and tending to the other things in life, does help us to get past those times.
Linda