Current Disposition Paintings (Series 2 of 5)

This is the second from a series of five blogs highlighting my painting inspirations and the process I undergo when beginning a painting. I decided to use this blog as a writing exercise to clarify, even for myself, the questions that come my way about these two topics. With this in mind, I’ve come up with these five “categories” to elaborate on my inspirations, but know note there is often some overlap between these categories!

• Practice/Exploratory Paintings

• Current Disposition Paintings

• Capturing Memories Paintings

• Fascination with Color Paintings

• Commissioned Paintings

  And, because I believe each “category” deserves more than just a few sentences of explanation, I will create a separate blog for each inspiration. This blog continues with my inspiration behind my “Current Disposition” paintings and will continue through the following list and end with Commissioned Paintings.

Current Disposition Paintings

I find color to be a fascinating subject and it’s probably not a surprise to discover that I believe color can impact our moods and be used to describe our emotions.  When my children were younger, I read to them a beautifully illustrated book written by Dr. Seuss called “My Many Colored Days”. (Paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher) Each page describes emotions by color. (i.e. “You’d be surprised how many was I change on different colored days” or “Green Days. Deep deep in the sea. Cool and quiet fish. That’s me.”)

These two pages most accurately capture my daily moods….

Have you ever had a day that could be described as a yellow day? Or grey? Or many colors? The paintings and simple, yet not so simple words from this book resonate with me still…some 10-15 years later.  

My paintings can reflect my current disposition. I find it cathartic to paint using colors that reflect my moods. My inspiration can be simply…I’m “feeling” blue today.  Or many different emotions and that’s when I reach for many different color combinations to begin a painting. Other times, I am feeling solidly one emotion/color and this results in paintings reflecting more of a specific, limited color palette. Being one who finds myself lost in thought, it’s frustratingly difficult at times to put into words what is running through my mind. I “feel” what I am thinking, but frustratingly words escape me. I like this quote:

Painting is but another word for feeling. -John Constable

The very act of planning a painting can clarify emotions.  My routine of selecting colors, deciding on a starting point, determining which layer to begin with and envisioning an overall plan for a painting is a process I find reassuring and important. This methodical process leads to clarity, removes apprehension associated with a blank canvas and creates a framework in order to move forward. This leads to using my emotions to express myself in a creative way.

I’m curious.  Have you…

…thought about how color(s) can be used to describe your mood?

…considered which color(s) that you like to surround yourself with? And why?

I am naturally drawn towards deeper shades of blue. I find certain shades of blue to be calming and refreshing. If I am feeling anxious, I’ll naturally gravitate to my favorite blue, Design Cyan by Matisse. The combination of blues and greens are reminiscent of our environment (to me) and I find it cathartic to paint landscapes and ocean scenes. I find it fascinating to mix paints in order to create “new” and more nuanced colors. Again…my heart does this little flip/flip motion which is difficult to describe using words. And, applying these ‘new” colors onto a canvas is like taking a mini-vacation away from my own worries. I turn to color as a method to not only express my current emotions, but also as a way to experience the positive effects color can have on my moods.

Thinking about our current COVID-19 situation that we find ourselves in, I’ve given some thought to how the colors we surround ourselves with can impact our own outlook. Just as I select colors for a painting that reflect my current disposition, I try to surround myself in my home with colors that resonate with me. Have you considered painting your walls a color that brings you a sense of peace? Or energetic colors for the energy that you wished you had? Adding touches of color with home accessories to your space can possibly add some comfort to your days spent at home.

If the thought of adding a commissioned or an original painting is intriguing to you…please reach out.  Despite these times of Shelter-In-Place, we can work together online in a safe manner that does not involve person-to-person contact. 

Thank you for reading….please feel free to comment and or share with others.

~Dawn Winter

PS: Please follow local standards when it comes to shopping. I am not advocating that one should leave their home...please stay home and stay safe. Shop online? I belong to a Facebook “Buy Nothing” group where neighbors ask and give household items to each (FREE) by leaving items on front porches to be picked up, contact-free. This may be an option for you too.