Professional Practice part 9

More on professional Practice

How do you begin a new work? I usually try to start 3-4 in a day so I have a problem to start on when I come into the studio the next day, and so I don't get stuck on one painting. Usually working with a different pic allows me suddenly to see the solution I was searching for in the first.

Do you ever face artist’s block? Not often, because of my process - it's meant to keep me working! Having a problem to solve and keeping a few on the go at any one time means there is usually something to do.

If so, what do you do to deal with this? I recently had the first in my career - after ten years. I think I was bored with my own work, had no money to afford the size canvases I prefer, hadn't been in the landscape for a while, changed studios- always an adjustment period -and had already painted enough for my solo show but felt guilty about taking time off (talk about a work ethic!) So I changed mediums - drawing and sculpture. No pressure! Found I was enjoying myself, which renewed the love of what I do - and then found I wanted to paint again (rather than just turning up and going through the motions).

How do you handle painter's block? How do you face a blank Canvas? Post your comments and questions here

Image: Gabrielle Jones, Trees Wollombi 2009 Oil on Canvas 40 x 30cm

More Quotes - On Process

“Art is a way of thinking things out differently” Gerhard Richter

“I like the process of images and information filtering through your body – which stimulates reaction to create marks which collectively make some sense.” Jenny Saville.

“The object is so important to me that I take a great deal of trouble over my choice of subjects. It is so important, that I paint it.” Gerhard Richter

”For me it’s about the flesh, and trying to make the paint behave in a way that flesh behaves. Using its material quality which ranges from a stain to something thick and juicy to something quite dry….Because I take so long to make work, I like to layer the paint like a network: paint on top of paint. It’s almost as if the painting has had a life of its own by the time it’s finished. Its lived a life. I have a dialogue with it…sometimes it dictates to you what it wants to do, and sometimes you’re dictating to it. It’s a real relationship. When the painting starts to suggest its own direction, that’s when the process is the most stimulating….I want the feeling that you don’t only command the piece of work, the piece of work commands you.” Jenny Saville

“You always project your own physicality upon the image” Luc Tuymans

“…my paintings, whose immediate cause is my inner state, my happiness, my pain, in all possible forms and intensities, until that cause no longer exists.” Gerhard Richter

“Part of the job is to work, as far as possible, for joy.” Bridget Riley

Image: Gabrielle Jones "Reflection" 2008 Oil on Canvas 122 x 152cm