I'm not normally a violent person but this afternoon something just 'snapped'.

I've been painting this series called 'Earth Songs'. I've just finished (almost) number 2 and had prepared a large 36x48" canvas with a raw sienna ground, as number 3 in the series.

There was something about the 'smug' look on the face of the canvas; like it was throwing out a challenge to me. "Who's boss"?

Up until now, the inspiration for Earth Songs has been strong, in fact I've had more ideas and inspiration than I could handle.

but today, looking at that canvas I suddenly froze.

Argh! what am I going to do?

I did what any normal artist would do; I began to throw things at it!

There I was, out on the front lawn literally throwing and squirting paint at this huge yellow canvas, hoping the neighbours couldn't see what was going on over my front wall.

I shook that canvas, spun it round and round, squirted water at it, chucked charcoal powder at it and then began pounding it with a large 3" house painting brush!

'Imploding egg? harassed Jellyfish?"

"I'll show you who's boss"!

In the words of John Cleese in Fawlty Towers I gave that canvas a 'darn good thrashing'!

I could feel my pent up frustration coming to the surface. And one just has to do something with ones frustration!

"Did it help"?, I hear you ask.

In short; "No, not really but it was fun, just for a bit".

Wouldn't it be nice to just 'paint', not think about composition or about design. Is the colour right? Is the balance right? Will this painting work?

It made me realize how many of these thoughts are constantly in the forefront of my painting time.

People think that painting is nice and relaxing. Oh, I wish!

Problem solving and decision making, torture for a serial procrastinator such as myself, are the constant companions of the artist.

These past few days I've felt that dreaded 'monster' creeping up on me; artist's block.

You know, when you feel the inspiration and energy gradually seeping away.

Maybe it's time for a little break?

I'm running a workshop in November called 'Art Play'. I think I will really enjoy it!

Now of course, I have another problem. What to do with that blasted canvas! White gesso? :)

Ciao for now,

Liv