I’ve been painting with feathers on canvas all summer after experimenting on paper with feathers during the winter. Yesterday I sold the first painting of these explorations. It’s alway great to sell as it gives an incentive and boost to keep going. My inner critic gets silenced and replaced with gratitude as the art is packed up and leaves home.
The owner of the painting is an Alexander Technique Teacher like me, which makes the sale even better as I knew she understood the nuances of what I meant when I said that painting with feathers makes it clear that every brush stroke is a thought.
The feathery delicacy gives less control and more spontaneity, with a transience in the feel of the process, aka life, that is less apparent than with a manufactured brush. A feather is a direct connection with the wonder of nature.
Another friend asked me why I was painting with feathers. ‘I think I like making things difficult for myself.’ I replied.
And so this study of birds in my garden has flown North and I couldn’t be happier. The parting words of the new owner were wonderful to my ears – ‘I will never see feathers in the same way again!’ and from her partner, ‘Keep going with this enquiry, it’s fascinating!’
I love it when people come and visit me in my studio. Such wonderful inspiring people seem to find their way here. I am so lucky.
Love Kirsten x
Stages of ‘The Feather’ in progress. Ink and Acrylic on Canvas, 50 x 50 cm
