Monday, January 11, 2010

A New Background...

Did I say yesterday that I'd have a portrait to show you? Well...when it was all dry, I saw that it needed some more work - it just didn't look finished to me.

But today has been one of those days where I didn't sit down for a minute and didn't have time to paint at all. I was determined to finally get all the Christmas stuff organized and packed away until next year. I had taken it all down, but collected it on our dining room table. But now it is safely packed away. And then I cleaned and dusted and sneezed and dusted some more!

When I finally did sit down, it was at the piano to my very great surprise. (I am hesitant to even write this because my dad is going to be so excited...) I used to play very well when I was growing up and had many years of lessons. And all those lessons led to me hardly touch the piano at all as an adult to the great sorrow of my dad. Playing has always felt like practicing to me. But maybe that will change with me indulging my creative side more and more...

This afternoon, I felt the need to play and when I sat down at the piano - oh, horror - it was so terribly out of tune, I couldn't even tell if I was hitting the right notes! I had sort of noticed it when Daniel played but didn't really hear the extent of it until I attempted to play myself. We'll be calling a piano tuner promptly!
In the meantime, I thought I'd share with you a partial scan of a larger painting background I've been working on when feeling inspired. There's something so satisfying working on a larger surface. I also got out the glue, some pretty papers and tissue paper, which is giving me a great texture. I don't know at all where this is taking me, but with each layer I get more and more excited!!

Tomorrow, I hope to have more time to paint and show you my latest portrait. I'll also be working on a commissioned portrait, which I am very excited (and a little nervous) about!

I hope that life is good for all of you and that you are staying warm if you live in one of the areas that's been hit by winter weather!

15 comments:

  1. Hi Silke,

    I missed your last post and just saw it! It's gorgeous!! Your new background is lovely.... I really like your choice of colors on this one!!

    Btw.... my piano is also out of tune...lol!

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  2. I love this Silke. The texture is awesome and looks very layered. I am looking forward to seeing what come out of this!!
    Have a great week.

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  3. You gotta love that background. So much texture. Have a great Tuesday. (tomorrow)

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  4. I finally put away all my Christmas yesterday also, it was laying waiting to be carefully wrapped up, each special piece! It's a good feeling having it done.
    I am envious of your piano playing skills, I bet all your lessons will come back to you right away, now that you want to play!
    The painting background is really pretty, I love the colors you've chosen.
    Have fun!

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  5. I don't know where you're going with this one either, Silke, but wherever it is...I LOVE it. The colors are gorgeous. I really can't wait now to see what you finish it off with. This must be very exciting for you! Hugs, Diane

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  6. I love this background! I can't wait to see what you'll do with it.

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  7. this looks like such an exciting direction you're moving into with your new painting!! i love the idea of the texture and the layers.....it's really fun to see your progress in stages like this!! and, playing the piano is a great way to keep those fingers warmed up!! xox, :))

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  8. Your new background looks very exciting and I can't wait to see where you go!

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  9. This background is beautiful, love it!

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  10. I am into backgrounds lately, too. It is weird that you post this because I have been prepping canvases with lovely colors, not sure what I will do next. Funny us. You are such an inspiration. Blessings friend.

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  11. Silke to lose your Mom in your 20s and suddenly is a disaster. I can't stand that my daughters are only in their 30s and Nathan only 26 and that I will have to leave them, and that more than anything they will not have me here for them. A mother.

    So you know dear one and I wish you never had to.

    Love Renee xoxoxo

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  12. Oh the colors are so soothing...I LoVe! Yes, perhaps in your creative period now, the piano will feel more like play then practice. What is it with you being photographed with FOOD! And yet you are so sleek. Something sexy about a lean woman who loves to eat!
    **happy smiles** Deb

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  13. Really nice colors and textures Silke. It's really interesting and I'll bet you're having fun! I wonder where it will go from here?

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  14. I think that background is absolutely lovely! It has so much dimension to it, and I love the colors! :) Glad to hear that the piano session went well - somethings never go away. They just slumber and arise when need be. :) Theresa

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  15. silke, first: renee's comment. how tender and true she is. how easy to understand everything she says.

    i never knew artists played in so many different mediums. it has been a joy to learn this, and i look forward to seeing that in you.

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