It started with a search for something to paint over because I’ve run out of canvas.
I chose these 2 as they are rather boring and not too textured or lumpy
They are each 70 x 50cm on board
I laid down some first layers and decided to turn them sideways
I was thinking about people out on the street during these cold winter nights and started to make some loose marks with solvent and a palette knife. I have some new gold Winsor and Newton oil. Added some of that, mixed with wax, with a roller. The shapes are clumsy and awkward
The song from Paul Simon’s new album, called wristband, the third verse running through my head. The bit about riots and how not having a wristband to get you in the door becomes a metaphor for the excluded and disenfranchised. Thinking about the election of Trump. And Brexit.
http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=40220
Add more colour. Roll over and obliterate most of the scraped marks. Make some new marks with a graphite stick
Thinking too about the desperate situation in Aleppo. And David Wolfe’s moving and horifying before and after photos on Facebook
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1290315790990889&id=100000374406030
It’s not about pretty pictures
What is it about? Painting? What do we do it for? Why? How? Is there any point?
Darker and deeper
More confusing
I don’t know. But I keep painting
(Header image is another stage on the journey, not the finished image – I signed it then changed my mind)
donegallizdoyle 
I feel how unsettled you are. Words and art both saying it.
I love your direction and process.
Thanks
Not easy just now
It’s not always easy to paint from your soul, but it is always expressive and that holds seeds of growth and healing.
I’m sure you’re right ☺ thank you again
bit late to the party on this one but:
“What is it about? Painting? What do we do it for? Why? How? Is there any point?” – your work answers that surely (no need for ?)
Thanks. Don’t really know how to respond, but just to say there are always questions/doubt. I might, probably actually, be more eloquent in paint than words, but its hard to be very aware that almost no-one hears (sees)
I find that it’s the doubt that drives things; if there was no doubt, no questions then there would be nothing to say. Certainty closes everything down.
Yes! True, AND exhausting 🙂 PS are you on Instagram? (@lizdoyleartist)
yes- not much up there yet:
JJamesScottartist