Never have I valued the creative process more than I do today. It was my professional duty for nearly forty years to teach children the value and reward of the creative process. Something which I was dedicated to and shared with thousands children throughout Toronto. The process of making art lies in the heart. No matter what the end product it is a heart fulfilling action. The reward uncommunicable, it simply is a feeling that is felt within the whole body when you commit to the practice. It is a thrill that makes you feel alive.
For a few years now I have been evolving my painting process as it has been ever changing. Each new technique applied to the next painting. Most recently I developed three series of paintings exploring my painting process in depth. Each series with a specific focus of exploration, techniques and unique composition. During the Bayview Art Tour I was curious to see how the art patrons received each of my series. As a lifelong learner, I have thrillingly taken note which has brought me to a place where my painting process has authentically come together as one. This ever changing process is what I would like to share with you.
Currently my painting process is been broken into manageable chunks, each chunk with a doable focus beginning in the garden observing flower blossoms. This process has come to me like the offering of a gift, I have not been the orchestrator. As an artist I simply must remain open to the offering. The garden provides all the inspiration I could ever need, always ever changing. I simply need to observe the garden, taking it in through minds eye or with a photo. Filing into my memory for use at a later date in time when I am working with paint and panels in my studio.
This is the beginning of my painting process, my minds eye will direct my next steps. Building a painting has become a constructive process for me. Often deconstructing the composition several times before being happy with the painting at the stage. It is intuitive and authentic and I simply must be open to the process. What has transpired in June 2022 is the combination of Vivid Colour Painting techniques within a Garden Painting composition. Using the techniques of colour combination and deconstruction has proved to create a more dynamic Garden Painting. Also it has proved to visually capture a more authentic representation of the image in my minds eye. An image captured through layers colour, texture and natural light found within the garden.
As I have worked on my Garden Paintings it has been enlightening as so much has come together for me in painting. From beginning to end a clear path has transpired when working on a Garden Painting. This is exciting because it is now that paintings will become more dynamic given my success of the painting process. With a clear focus from flower observation through to ripping of the masking tape. I have a clear pathway to finding success in a painting. Having waited half a lifetime to find success through this means of expression it is extremely satisfying.
It should be noted that this process is ever changing as is my garden and healing journey. It will and should continue to evolve. My only job is to be open to it. This ever changing journey I will take with me through life, always open to whatever it brings me. With this I will continue to grow my garden, my healing journey and as a result my heart will be filled with thanks to the practice of art. In return my gift is an ever changing process which produces uniquely authentic paintings.
Jane Holden - Art exploring elusive realities. 