I really don't like displaying myself like this; it's not my style. But I need to illustrate a point.
Painters, as opposed to most other professions, are often inflicted with serious DOUBTS. We continue blindly along our funneled paths, scratching away, trying to achieve something, often losing the plot.As students we struggle; we want to impress, to innovate. Then comes a period of angst when we hope to be recognised for our skills. We exhibit our wares and expect to be lauded; rarely does this happen. We settle down to earn a living, with maybe the occasional attempt at commerce en route.
Finally our cares are abandoned, and we paint solely for ourselves, simply because we need to. Honesty raises its foul head, and the sum of our life's learning becomes squeezed and concentrated. We tend to think too much.
I feel I'm getting dangerously close to that point, but, in my case, the DOUBTS simply become stronger. I've recently rekindled an interest in 'Woodland' Landscape painting, which is why I've posted the two 1987 pictures above. My recent work has become reduced to almost Japanese Caligraphy levels, but it no longer really matters.
I may post one or two examples tomorrow. (It'll be my 4th centenary posting)
