Well, it's finally happening.
The painting that has been quietly occupying my thoughts, my easel and a considerable amount of studio /kitchen space over the last while is finally on it's way to being completed.
The Duck's Lunch has officially nearly landed.
If you've been following my recent studio updates, you'll know this piece has been years in the making. Not years in paint exactly, but years in waiting.
Some paintings arrive quickly.
Others seem to sit patiently in the background until the right moment comes along.
This was one of those.
More Than Just a Painting
When I first wrote about The Duck's Lunch, I shared some of the story behind it.
The flowers.
The little vignettes around my home.
The photographs I collect almost instinctively.
The memories attached to them.
This painting grew from one of those moments.
A simple arrangement that carried far more meaning than might appear at first glance.
As I worked on it, I realised that it represented something else too.
A change in how I approach my work.
Not creatively perhaps, because I have always painted from the things that move me emotionally.
But professionally.
For the first time, I approached a piece from the outset as a significant original artwork rather than simply another painting in progress.
I selected the very best materials I could source.
Professional-grade canvas.
Professional-grade paints.
Archival finishes.
A certificate of authenticity.
Most importantly, I gave myself permission to create the piece exactly as I wanted it to be.
Taking My Work Seriously
This might sound like an odd thing for an artist to say.
Surely if you've been painting for years, you're already taking your work seriously?
The answer is yes and no.
Often creative people spend years developing skills, gathering experience and quietly improving while simultaneously finding reasons not to step fully into the space they have quietly longed for and for the most part, earned.
Suffice to say, I've been guilty of sitting back, wishing and waiting.
I've hidden behind practicality.
Behind timing.
Behind being oh, 'so busy'.
Behind a hundred perfectly reasonable explanations.
The truth is that there comes a point where you simply have to decide to move forward or put it into your suitcase of dreams never to see the light of day again.
This painting feels like one of those moments.
Not because it's perfect.
No painting ever is.
But because it represents a shift in mindset.
Looking Ahead
While heading towards the finish of The Duck's Lunch feels like a milestone coming up, it's also a sturdy beginning.
I already have ideas waiting impatiently for their turn. That's par for the course.
Sketches.
Photographs.
Memories.
Animals.
Flowers.
Small moments that have quietly lodged themselves in my imagination and are demanding attention.
One of those ideas has already begun to make itself known and I expect it will become my next large vignette painting.
I'm looking forward to getting started.
Originals and Prints
One question I've been asked occasionally is whether there will ever be prints available.
Until now, I've always focused primarily on the original work itself.
However, I'm currently exploring options for professionally produced fine art prints.
This is something I'm genuinely excited about.
Original paintings will always remain special and unique, but I understand that not everyone wants - or is able - to invest in an original artwork.
A high-quality print allows more people to enjoy an image that resonates with them while preserving the uniqueness of the original piece.
By the time you read this, I hope to be much closer to having those arrangements in place.
I'll keep you posted as things develop.
Thank You for Following Along
One thing I've learned over the last year is that creating artwork can feel surprisingly solitary at times.
You're alone with your thoughts, your materials and your ideas for long stretches.
Yet every time I write one of these updates, I'm reminded that there are people quietly following along, nice and easy.
Family.
Friends.
Fellow creatives.
Curious souls who simply enjoy the journey.
Thank you for being one of them.
It means more than you might realise.
Perhaps in time I'll have enough work to entice the collectors as well.
For now, I'm going to enjoy the completion of this painting before diving headlong into the next one.
Though I can't wait to get moving on the next one...meanwhile life if very busy. Happy things, sad things, difficult and funny things..
And truthfully, I wouldn't have it any other way. đź’–
Until next time,
Amanda
Fine Art Prints
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Catch Up on Previous Studio Updates
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