Painter Down

I  finished the first group of six paintings (Sept.6) since moving into the studio. The results were mixed. I tried to keep as light a touch and as limited a palette as I could but I feel the results are too tentative. I spent too much time worrying over making exactly the right move and that usually doesn't work out  well for me. My immediate reactions are usually more interesting than my most thought out compositional strategies. That either says a lot about my natural abilities or about my brain power.

No time to dwell, though, and I started the next six. Who knows what I'll think of these a week or two from now. It's often hard to separate the negative feelings and thoughts that you had during the creative process from the actual object that results. It takes time.

Been listening to a lot of Yeasayer, the newest Vampire Weekend, and a new EP by Fleetwood Mac in the studio these days.

As for the title of this post, it refers not only to my feelings about the latest work, but also to my allergies which, like clockwork, have resumed their barrage against me and my lungs. Thanks to the excellent treatment I've been getting from my new doctor, the actual asthma symptoms have been mild. But the phlegm, flushness, dizziness, and non-stop headaches have been in full effect.

I press on.