Art in the Spotlight #2

‘COMPARTMENTS’ series

‘COMPARTMENTS #1

‘COMPARTMENTS #2

‘COMPARTMENTS #3’

These three paintings are part of an overall series called ‘Exploring Space’. This entire body of work examines the idea of space both physically on the canvas, and metaphorically in our lives. Learn more by clicking the link.

• Each of the ‘Compartment’ paintings measures 20 x 20 inches. That means, all three of them create a dynamite triptych over a 60-inch sofa.

• They are created on solid cradled wood panels. The sides are 1 ½ inches deep and painted black for a finished profile.

• If you prefer your art framed, this depth fits most Standard float-frames perfectly.

‘COMPARTMENTS’ series triptych by Shirley Williams ©

They make a great grouping of three or two.

‘COMPARTMENTS’ series diptych by Shirley Williams ©

‘COMPARTMENTS -2’ by Shirley Williams shown in-situ ©

Even one of these paintings is striking enough to be a great conversation piece.

INSPIRATION & PROCESS

Before I begin any painting or group, I decide on four things.

1. composition

2. color palette

3. process

4. intention or challenge

For this triptych, my pre-determined parameters were clear.

1. composition: a grid of four compartments (hence the title)

2. palette: off-white, mid-grey mostly, with touches of black and color

3. process: acrylic paint, hand-painted collage and mixed media drawing

4. challenge: To make all twelve compartments, of the three paintings, flow together as a group and as individual paintings.

This challenge sounded simple enough, but it quickly became obvious it wasn’t going to be simple at all.

CREATIVE CHALLENGE #1
First of all, it was tempting to just ‘stuff the boxes’ with collage and drawings. That would have created chaos, so I had to be careful to balance the elements. I had to keep reminding myself of the KISS Principle and keep tight reins on my impulse to go wild.

CREATIVE CHALLENGE #2
The quadrants of each painting needed to refer to each other in some way without being overly repetitive. Notice how the painted squiggles are all similar but a different color. You’ll also notice the repetition of the red, green and blue, without seeming obvious.

These drawn and painted areas are never planned in advance. With my pre-set intentions always in the back of my mind, I simply respond intuitively as I go along.

The four detail shots above, give you a closer peek at the intricate collage, paint and drawn layers of colour and texture in this series.

For me, creating is a mental exercise in discernment. I add things, cover them up with paint, draw, erase and just keep going until it feels right.

When is it finished?

The painting is finished when the composition comes together in a way that feels exciting, balanced and satisfying. It’s finished when it catches the eye from a distance and becomes even more interesting up close.