So this was unexpected.
Lilacs (I am Hiding from You), 12" x 12" oil, collage, and wax on panel. Click for a larger version.
Lilacs are blooming here, and every year since my arrival in MN, I've gathered them, enjoyed them, told myself I would paint them, and then not done it and promised myself Next Spring for Certain! Lather, rinse, repeat.
This morning I posted to Facebook that TODAY would be the day I finally painted the lilacs. And then, much as I love them, I struggled to find a way to be interested in them as a subject. Everyone paints flowers, you know? But I wanted to hide in my studio (see earlier post) and I grabbed these old children's encyclopedias I'd salvaged and started looking for things that represented what was out there that made me want a refuge.
I've now committed collage. And due to the nature of the materials I used, it kind of had to be loose, soft paint work. I'm liking it. I'm surprised how well it went. I'm a little scared. I know this is something I want to do more of and I'm not sure where it'll take me, but I think I need to go there, wherever it is.