Evolution of a Painting, Vol. 1
I once read that the German-British figurative painter, Frank Auerbach, takes a black and white photograph of his current painting at the end of each day as a way to document its progression. If it doesn’t pass the photograph test, which is used to test the structure of the composition, he scrapes the entire surface of the painting into the trashbin. I also read that he works in his London studio from 8 am to 6 pm seven days a week, 364 days a year.
(Do not quote me on this. At this point, I’m honestly not sure I want to know if these statements are incorrect, as I take a great deal of comfort in aspiring to be such a disciplined painter.)
Painting is hard - particularly at the end of the process. Two steps forward, nine steps back. A great deal more time staring at the easel than actively painting.
In alleged Auerbach fashion, I snapped a quick picture at the end of each day and selected enough of a range that you can see the evolution.
The final image is beneath the progression.
(And incidentally, this painting almost killed me.)
This piece, I Could Live in This Room, is a tribute to Square Books, one of the truly great American independent bookstores, located in Oxford, Mississippi.
What makes this place great, beyond the amazing atmosphere and delish coffee, is the commitment that founder/owner Richard Howorth and his crew have to building local community and amplifying Southern writers.
P.S. Enjoy poring over the creative process? Check out Evolution of a Painting, Vol. 2., Evolution of a Painting, Vol. 3., and Evolution of a Painting, Vol. 4.