August 09, 2006

Blog Intentions

Matrix 1, 24x20, 2005

Thought I'd take a minute and outline what my intentions are in writing this blog... not that they won't change because the original intention is a far cry from it's current direction. First the title... where did that weird nomenclature come from and what does it mean? Blame Duane Keiser and his painting a day blog. I discovered him about the time I got a bug to return to realistic oil painting (don't ask... ) The goal was 100 small oil paintings on the order of Duane's work. Ummm... after a couple of dozen I realized my eyes and hands might eventually be persuaded to perform in such a manner but I began to wonder why I would want to. So that petered out and the blog began to morph.

In researching art blogs, I found a preponderance of sketching blogs, lots of other painting-a-day venues, all kinds of art focus groups which weren't my thing, and a few serious artists recording their studio and career experiences, which is what I wanted to do with my own writings. But most of these are early or mid career artists and I felt that I wanted to review my career... look back to where I've been and document a few thoughts as I recall them, possibly showing a connection or path to where I am today. There's no rhyme or reason to the way I approach this, but I try to mix it up by showing new work along with old and not dwelling too much on personal or family happenings, though that contributes to an artist's life as well.

I try to upload an image with each post and it may be current or something relevant from the past that might or might not tie in in some way. Yesterday's grass painting was a number title, for instance. I feel these old works, so different from what I do today, tell more about who I am than the current work ever could, plus I get a kick out of paying homage to a few old favorites. BTW, my website features most of the recent work, but it's more static than this blog (which is much more fun to update.)

5 comments:

Olga Norris said...

I find it fascinating reading artists' blogs about their work, even if I don't comment. It all contributes in one way or another to how one looks at one's own work.

I am in awe of your ability with work like Monday's grass, but must admit that I personally much prefer sinking into the pleasure I get from Matrix 1 - which raises the frustration of blogs: how desperately I would love to see the real pieces of art!

Martha Marshall said...

Having seen them up close, I can attest to their amazing richness, depth and texture, which are impossible to convey in a photograph.

Parisbreakfasts said...

I found you by chance. I love the abstracts-inspiring!

Walker said...

Karen - I love both your work and your blog and have watched both change over the years. Fascinating! Funny that you have a comment from "parisbreakfasts" - I found her one day and read it often - reminds me both of France and the sugary foods I gave up long ago!
Robin

Karen Jacobs said...

I think the 'comments' part of blogging is as yummy as the photos at 'pairsbreakfasts' blog. A kind of support hard to find elsewhere. Thanks to all for reading and leaving your marks. KJ