I have encountered this phenomenon in the past, but it struck me particularly today, as I was working in the studio. Of course, any painting begins with some kind of concept in the mind of the artist, however, rudimentary that might be. It can be quite startling, however, as the project progresses, to realise that the painting a seems to have a mind of its own.
I have been working on another of my tree series, following from my visit to Leicestershire, about which I’ve written on a couple of previous occasions. Suddenly it seemed to be the case that the picture itself had developed its own idea about the direction in which it wanted to go. I have been away in Sheffield for a couple of days on grand-parental duties, and during that time had begun to settle upon an idea about how the image could be improved. When I got back home, and began to put my idea into effect, I becoming aware that in doing this I was uncovering quite a new set of possibilities. It wasn’t necessary to abandon my own idea, but I had to recognise that I was being “told” of implications within it which I had not imagined. Because it seemed to be foolishly dogmatic to stick rigidly to my original plan I went with the flow, and I have to say that I am quite pleased with the direction in which I am being “led”.
The trip to Sheffield was possibly quite productive in other respects, as I have made a contact, which I will be following up tomorrow, which might possibly lead to another exhibition. Here’s hoping! It is interesting, in one respect or another, the extent to which the artistic life, in one way or another, does involve a degree of serendipity.