31 Paintings in 31 Days - Day Fifteen

"Painted Boat in Misty Rain" - caulk transfer, acrylic and collage on board, 14" x 18"

Today I decided to revisit an abandoned project.

We all have them...those things we had a vision for but never quite completed?  As an artist, I have a stack of boards, canvases and papers which began as a moment of intense inspiration and then became, well, stuck.  I try to rescue these forlorn creative puppies, but it requires a certain attitude to go back to them and stare at my own defeat.

This project was one which followed me back from a magical trip to Oregon last summer.  One of the many beautiful places we visited was the Lan Su Chinese Garden  (http://www.lansugarden.org/).  Serene, breathtaking, small and simple, it caught my heart in a way many gardens do not.  My favorite part was a shallow lake in the middle of the grounds with an old boat floating amongst the water lillies in the middle.  It was photographic eye candy.  It wasn't until we were leaving the little lake that I saw the small name placard "Painted Boat in Misty Rain".  I was smitten.

This piece began as layers of gesso, uneven and thick, textural and rough.  On top of that went chalk and glaze.  A greatly enlarged photo copy of my photograph was then inverted on thick and uneven caulk with many air bubbles to give the effect of pieces missing or carved out once the paper was removed.  Then acrylic paint, a little ink and one collaged piece.  It was a long process with many switchbacks and turns.  

Now that I look at it propped on my studio table, I feel a little heart tug, similar to what I experienced that morning in Portland.  It is a sure sign that this creative puppy has been successfully rescued.  Welcome home, little puppy, welcome home.

This piece is available.  Currently unframed.  Inquiries: imajenation@gmail.com