After a period of "painters block" the muse has finally rested on my shoulders again. I have produced 3 new pics, one of which is seem here. The other 2 are on my website,(first pics in gallery 1) and I have a store of ideas for many more. Isn't it funny how it happens? You get these periods when you don't produce anything of consequence and then a series of connections will just start you off again. That's art though. isn't it?

Hi Dennis

Glad to hear you're painting again- those dry spells are awful and feel like they last forever dont they! I simply love the light in your work- there is a very specific quality about them. Well done.

Jo

Hi Dennis, just had a browse round your gallery - i love your freesias in gallery 3 - as witht he cups and bowls in gallery 1 you've an excellent way of capturing the roundness of ceramics - they look so real. I'm glad your back painting - its horrible when you can't and want to but I think best to go with your inner feelings and give yourself a rest rather than produce substandard work. Often when people say " how much!!" when looking at a work you can see them working out a weeks wages at those prices but what they don't realsie is painting isn't a 9-5 job for most people - I don't mean in the term od having no other commitments but rather that its inpossible to switch on and off at will. I find after a pianting session such as yesterday - i attend a morning art group, and even tho we break for coffee ( or peppermint tea for some ) I'm mentally and physically exhausted when the mornings up. some mornings i just don't know what to paint - just can't get into the painting groove so i read art books or try out something new - just playing about but its all valuable learning skills.

I certainly agree with that Jenie, although if you do have a routine it does help the muse to find you!
I found the thing that stopped me painting was that I was asked to do a commission for a friend and I tried something a bit bigger than usual and in a slightly different style, trying out a few ideas I had .The whole thing went wrong and I spent far too long pushing paint about trying to make something happen. In the end I reached a compromise with the painting, and although my friend says he is happy with it, I do feel I did not give of my best, and it knocked me for six a bit. Still the moral is, accept no more commissions! They either have what is in the studio or go away disappionted.
Any other views on commissions?

I must admit Dennis,I say that nearly after every commission.It depends really on the client if they know what they wan't and don't ecpect a carbon copy of a previous works, it does put a bit of pressure on to come up with the goods,if that happens I stop for a few days and re psyche myself up and continue it does seem to gel in the end.

I must admit freedom is the best option though!