At last, I can finally tell you about one of the secret paintings I've been working on.
You may remember me mentioning that several pieces in the studio couldn't be shared just yet because they were intended as gifts. It felt as though every painting I was working on was shrouded in mystery.
Thankfully, one of those secrets is now out.
Meet Noah.
Noah belongs to my cousin, who lives in Perth, Australia. In fact, Perth holds a special curiosity for me because it happens to be where I was born though I have never been back since the family returned in 1971.
So this painting has travelled quite a long way already in spirit, even before it begins its actual journey across the world. In fact it is still en route but already in Australia winding it's way to it's special destination.
The Things We Do for the Animals We Love
If you're an animal lover, you'll understand immediately.
People often say they own a dog, but I don't think that's quite accurate. Most of the time, the dog owns a considerable portion of their heart.
Noah certainly occupies that position.
My cousin adores animals and has a particularly close bond with him. Since then, another rescue dog has joined the household too, ensuring Noah has company and adding another layer of chaos, fun and companionship to daily life I'm sure.
When I saw photographs of Noah, I understood immediately why she loved him so much.
He has one of those expressive faces that seems permanently engaged in conversation. A scruffy little imp and a little old man rolled into one.
Some animals simply have personality written all over them.
Noah is one of those.
I must admit that I don't intend to do pet portrait commissions or people portraits. At least that's how I feel now. There's a body of work burgeoning in my imagination and travelling along the wobbly track of inspiration and production. This will have to be brought forth first. One foot in front of the other or should I say, one painting in front of the other.
Why Certain Photographs Stay With Me
One of the things I'm learning about myself as an artist is that I rarely feel compelled to paint something simply because it looks nice.
There has to be a spark, a resonation.
A story.
A feeling.
A connection.
The photographs that stay with me longest are usually connected to a person or some aspect of humanity, a memory or a relationship.
Sometimes it's a flower arrangement.
Sometimes it's a cafe scene.
Sometimes it's a duck unexpectedly sharing lunch in a garden.
And sometimes it's a little dog who clearly means the world to someone.
Those are the images that tend to rise quietly to the top of the pile and eventually find their way onto my easel.
Painting Noah
The portrait itself was created on heavy acid-free paper using a combination of acrylic paint and mixed media techniques.
Over the last year I have developed a growing appreciation for working on paper.
For a long time I regarded it as a lesser option compared with canvas. These days I see it differently.
Different surfaces create different opportunities.
Different challenges too.
For this particular piece, paper felt exactly right.
It allowed me to work in a way that suited both the image and the recipient.
Before Noah began his long journey to Australia, I applied the final protective UV varnish coat. Normally I might have added a cold wax finish as well, but given the distance involved and the hot climate waiting for him during his long haul and at the other end, I thought wax free was the wiser choice this time.
A New Home in Australia
One of the nicest things about creating gifts is imagining where they will eventually live.
This painting is heading to my cousin's new apartment in Perth. I can't presume she'll hang it but hopefully it will resonate with her and she'll be warmed by it.
I love the thought of Noah already being there to welcome the painting of himself when it arrives.
Perhaps he'll approve.
Perhaps he'll completely ignore it.
Animals can be wonderfully unimpressed by our efforts.
Either way, I hope it brings a smile when it's seen.
Looking Ahead
With Noah completed and safely revealed, I can finally tick one more secret project off the list.
There are still a few more waiting quietly in the wings, though.
Some secrets take longer to tell than others.
In the meantime, I'm back in the studio working away on larger pieces, including The Duck's Lunch, which continues to develop steadily.
As always, thank you for following along with these studio adventures.
It's lovely to have your company on the journey.
Until next time,
Amanda
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