Goose in the Mountains
a little chick
I have a folder on my personal Instagram account with all the posts that have the potential to serve as an art inspiration to me. What I managed to finish painting last week was one that I’ve thought of painting for a while now, and to see it all come together made me really happy.
How have you been? It’s been months since I’ve come on here. I’ve been busy with my art zine, which is still very much a work-in-progress. At the same time, I’ve also allowed myself to continue living life to the fullest and finding new things to learn and explore. It has reached a point where I wonder if I should rethink what I want in my life and give up on something. I seem to have become someone with a lot of hobbies, and there’s just not enough time.
And honestly, art is one thing I’m thinking of spending lesser time on. It’s sad, isn’t it? Then again, I have allowed myself to let go of being so strict with myself when it comes to my art schedule, and I succeeded. I want to feel less guilty when I don’t touch on any form of art when I have the time because — let’s face it — for me, time and energy are not directly proportional. Gradually, I’ve also lost interest in traditional art. It just happened so naturally as I spent more and more time on other things…
Nevertheless, I’ve managed to finish this piece entitled Little Goose. The reference, I based it on a very peaceful and adorable reel by Mother the Mountain Farm (@motherthemountain) on Instagram. It’s of a little chicken by the name of Goose. It tickles you, doesn’t it? I really liked it when I first came upon it.
I think this colour plan is the most useless I’ve done up to date, and I say this with a giggle. Usually, which is what I’ve done here, I’d colour pick from the original reference, maybe tweak it a little with the hue and saturation setting on CSP once the plan was complete before starting on the actual piece. Who’d have known I’d completely ignore the colour scheme from my very first stroke? I think that’s what we call style; these colours just didn’t suit my taste. I chose a green I liked on the colour wheel and based everything else that followed with that. And hey, it turned out a lot better.
But then another challenge settled in. The leaves — ooooh, the leaves. I took a really long time to get the first leaf looking right. I wasn’t even done with it when I already started questioning myself. Did I have the patience to complete this? There would be so many other leaves to paint! But once the first leaf was done, the others would be easier, because then, I would already have the eye for it, and the colour palette.
Trust the process, right? I’m glad I didn’t give up on it. My favourite is the leaf that little Goose is standing on.
Just last week, I went to the photo shop to develop my latest roll of film. I’ll try to share some of it one day — and also, not forgetting my experience with my new digital camera. I know I mentioned in my previous newsletter that I’d share what I’ve learnt with it, and it’s still not up. It’ll come. Currently in the process of battling another bout of insomnia (it’s been three weeks) and a painful, inflammed thumb that I’m seeking treatment for.
In other personal news, I’m finally reading Chinese books and improving on the language. Cooking has become another thing that brings me so much joy. It’s been fun. I’ve been trying to find ways to ensure I use my phone less — a new year resolution of mine. :) Have you been keeping up with your ‘new year, new me’ goals?
My heart to yours,
Elaine
P.S. Never stop thinking of Palestine.