STUDIO BEHIND THE SCENES ///
I'm busy working in the studio at the moment on a new hinterland themed series of paintings. I'm still thinking about the exact title. These things come last, I'm afraid! There is so much uncertainty when embarking on a new series of paintings. Some things need to evolve as you progress. But you must be super clear and deeply invested in the broader what and why!
As I'm about a third of the way into this latest project (3 down, 4th in progress, 6 to go), I thought it was a good time to write about some fun, behind the scenes insights into the process of creating a series of paintings.
I've learnt the hard way. You must be completely in love with the concepts and ideas in a series or collection, or your efforts will fall short.
You see, to create a series of paintings, you need to pour your heart and soul into the subject matter and concepts. Hours and hours of labour and love in each painting. Don't be fooled. You are not in control. Joy and love are required for creativity to flow through you without resistance. It doesn't matter how firm your initial commitment or intention was.
I've set off on my merry way to create a series of paintings a couple of times. I've committed to the theme and to delivering 12-15 paintings, only to get to painting 3 or 4 and start to struggle, get bored and quite simply lose my mojo! By painting 6, I have to stop and reassess. There is nothing wrong with the paintings, they are still beautiful and created with love, but they have become 'hard' for me to create because I didn't dig deep enough into the what and why at the beginning. I am no longer in love with the ideas and concepts. The joy is gone. And the creativity struggles to flow.
So what is this series all about, and why?
Things I know for sure about this series:
- There'll be about 10 paintings in total for this release - I've set myself a deadline of Oct 2023, but I've been gentle by reducing the overall number of artworks.
- Each painting will feature a hinterland inspired scene
- Should each scene include a window view?
- Should I include gingham in each scene or mix it up with spots, stripes etc. as well?
- How big/small to go and what variety of sizes
- Whether this will be a part 1 with a second release at a later date
- Specific subjects to include in each painting - I like to surprise myself as the painting progresses
And why am I creating it?
My first reason is to connect more deeply with the world around me.
We live in the hinterland region of the Sunshine Coast in Qld, Australia. We are at the foot of the hinterland in the town of Nambour, the midpoint between the stunning coast and the peak of the luscious hinterland. We live surrounded by trees and leafy green, and we are often blessed with glorious pretty blue skies with no cloud in sight.
And the second reason is, I believe your life is richer when you connect your heart and home with colour, texture and sentimental treasures. I often write about this on my blog.
The scenes in this series contain colourful decorative homewares, gingham textiles and glorious abundant flowers and fruit picked from my dream flourishing garden.
So this series is aligned with my essence and message wholeheartedly. I am loving the process of watching these paintings emerge from a blank canvas. Here is a sneak peek at the first 3 paintings - these will be released approx Oct 2023.
Next week on the blog, I'll continue this theme by sharing some early discoveries I've made as I've gotten the creative engine fired up. For now, I'll say. It's only through letting go and embracing creative play and exploration that we have an opportunity to grow and evolve as creative beings.
So there you have it. My latest creativity project and chapter in full swing!
Do you have any thoughts on whether I should continue with the gingham theme?
Or do you have any ideas about specific wildlife or flowers or homeware that I should include?
Please let me know in the comments below or email me at hello@samhortonstudio.com. I would love to hear from you.
Take care, Sam x
