creative block

This month I have started work on a show for Fowey River Gallery. It's quite a small show - just 25 paintings - but I was a bit daunted by it. Normally I have a big show every other year and the rest of the time is spent painting to replace work that has sold in various galleries. But this year and into next I have agreed to two shows.

I had a total blank at the beginning of the month, and had no idea how to start the show. The first painting is so important - it sets the tone and if its a cracker everything just falls into place after it.

So, I spent a few days just walking with my dog and notebook, writing ideas as they slowly came through. Then one morning I was feeling much more positive and made a start, and once the first painting was done it was happy days!! Now I'm on a roll and making the most of it by working as much as possible, aware that at any moment I might lose the momentum.

When it is going well painting is an utter joy, but when I get stuck it's the worst feeling and I it seems as if I will never get out of the rut (although I always do). It becomes obsessive and I can't think of anything else and yet normally if I do just switch off for a day or two the ideas come flooding back. Its a real rollercoaster!

Walking is my saving grace, and nearly all my ideas come from a walk - either from something I've seen or a random thought. So, right now every thing is good and I am really enjoying it, I don't want to speak this soon, but I think this might be my best ever show!