I had a long discussion with a friend about the freedom of making a mess when painting. With oils, I focus on the subtle colors in the mid values by painting areas repeatedly with varying colors. Figuring out how to coach someone to make a mess is a challenge.
I suggested doing a Still Life but completing the painting in an hour or two. Since I had offered the suggestion, I decided to get out my old oils and do a quick painting myself.
My old oil tubes were covered in a sticky slick film. Making a mess became quite literal as I struggled to open each tube. Lids were screwed tight. I had to use my teeth as pliers to get them open. My hands got covered in oil paint repeatedly and I managed to get a dab of red on my nice green shirt. What was I thinking wearing a nice shirt?
It took about about half an hour to block the painting in. I spent the rest of the time adjusting colors repeatedly. I was trying to coach my student on the notion that painting is fun, but lets face it painting is hard work. About half way into the painting I did relax since at least things were recognizable. The mail goal of this painting was to make a mess and at that I succeeded. My main lesson was to make a mess and move on to the next.
As far as the subject, I didn’t give it much thought. I woke up and at first organized some fruit in a bowl. I wasn’t satisfied. I added pitchers and jugs but it all seemed too complex. Finally I just pulled a chair away from the table and put a skull on it. With my operation pending, going over my Will, Living Trust and Health Surrogate documents, this simple subject seemed on point.