Sweet sounds of a harmonica swirl through my studio space. Mellow vibes keep my strokes simple and calm, focusing on one color at a time as I build layers of flower petals. I am in the zone and numb to anything in my surroundings beyond my easel. My mind is enveloped as lyrics sweep over me.
whiskey, whiskey, whiskey
water, water, water, sleep
wake up, shake it off and repeat
it’s just a phase
it’s not forever
but I still might have a ways to go
hey world you ain’t seen nothing yet
great, now it’s raining
cut me off and pour me in the street
whiskey, whiskey, whiskey
water, water, water, sleep
Whiskey? Interesting. I don’t remember hearing this song before. As of lately, John Mayer songs are my go to. His music pulls a creative force from within me, allowing me to hit a stride much quicker. I go through different phases of music but for this painting especially, it’s the “Mayer”. Rich creamy tones of white, gold, and peachy pinks are layered with caramel and cinnamon browns, along with purplish gray and black. I’m in a trance as the colors begin to marry together creating the curves and bend of each delicate flower petal. My mind is pulled back from the canvas for a moment in time as I hear the words Whiskey, Whiskey, Whiskey. The colors of these flowers remind me of whiskey. They have a nostalgia of tinted time and dirty whiskey stains. Suddenly I’m whisked back into the painting to add sunkissed highlights to each rose. As the harmonica fades I lift the brush and she’s finished.
This painting has an extremely thick base layer. When I have leftover paint, I apply it to a new canvas to build up layers. I’ve painted two floral paintings pryer to Whiskey Rose and I was in flower mode. I just love flowers. Maybe I’m longing for spring and why I’ve painted three paintings of roses this week. One was a commission piece “Lullaby Rose” for a baby nursery. The second of the three paintings is called “Vintage Floral” and this painting had me so twisted inside, I wanted to snap all my brushes in half. This is when we walk away from the easel and have some downtime. Switch gears and hang with my family. It always helps “shake it off” as John sang. Usually, if I take an extended break, by the time I approach the painting again, I have a clearer vision. Sitting at the canvas, up close and personal can be too close and gets personal if I’m frustrated. I take the time to refresh my senses by exploring roses and studying how the light hits each individual petal. I also research other artist, current and old. Not only does it inspire, it’s rewarding to pull inspiration from various places collectively bringing different tricks and techniques together making them your own. By the time I was deep into Whiskey Rose, the lyrics above resonated deep within me. I love this little shot of whiskey and give a nod to John Mayer.