Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863)
When asked at times by people who have not seen my work what the subjects of my paintings are, I feel a bit uneasy and I usually describe my latest piece or hide behind generalities.
True, I have experienced many times the anxious discomfort of looking for a subject matter or theme. I am embarrassed to admit that some years ago I even bought a book by Carole Katchen: 200 Great Painting Ideas for Artists. I have fretted before many a class looking frantically through my collection of photographs and clippings in the hope to find the one image that would hold the vision of a painting. Even when painting en plein air, I have looked with determination to find the perfect spot with just the right alluring light to imbue me with a visual moment that will truly inspire me. I have found value in doing serial paintings; one can certainly refine technique and expend one’s painting vocabulary.
In truth it seems the more confident I feel, the less important it becomes to find the right subject matter. So, if I somehow feel a driving enthusiasm for a particular scenery or subject I go for it head on. If I do not feel particularly inspired, I just start painting anyway, soon I find myself engaged in the process and the pleasure of painting. In either case the less preconceived notions I have before starting a painting, the freer I feel to experiment with new possibilities. Once freed from the mandate of finding a subject matter and perhaps even from the subject itself, one can focus more on the magic of paint.
This is not to say that subject matter is immaterial, that would be absurd. Painting to me is like poetry, there is a consequential duet between content and form which the poet can manipulate with intent. If the lyricism of rhythm, the power of imagery and the choice of nuanced words do not evoke a mood and captivate the reader’s interest, the content looses its impact. Content is as inherent in a painting as it is in a poem. The challenge is to train the eye to see beyond the immediate and subject matter derives; a raindrop can become the subject matter.