Exploring A New Art Direction in My Latest Oil Painting "Uncertainty".

I've noticed that some artists maintain a consistent style or subject for years and achieve great success. Personally, I tend to become restless; I'm not adept at staying with the same theme. I can get bored, which sometimes leads me to stop painting and explore creativity in different ways. My latest painting deviates from my previous abstract works. I've decided to confront my fears and focus more on objects, portraits, and similar subjects—something both thrilling and a bit daunting.

My current painting is titled "Uncertainty," a name that came to me before I even started painting. I brainstormed the concept I wanted to express, and the title emerged. As I began forming ideas for my painting, Australia was in the midst of a federal election, inundated with election news and policies. Some of the public was overwhelmed and confused by the myriad of election policies and ideas. This influenced my painting, as it raised discussions about "how will our children afford to pay for their own homes? What will their future look like?" Melbourne is already facing a rental crisis, with many struggling to find housing, let alone achieve the dream of homeownership. This is becoming increasingly unattainable for many, and it's a significant concern for me, with three children of my own.

I have two older children who now have their driver's licenses, attend university or TAFE, and are becoming more independent. They view the world differently and take on more responsibilities. It's been an adjustment for me to let them make their own decisions and be there when they need me. I never realized how challenging this would be.

The initial thoughts and ideas I had helped shape the painting's theme. It started here and evolved. I wish for freedom and stability for my children's future, yet feel limited in control. I want them to be happy and successful, but once they reach a certain age, all I can do is love and support them. Releasing the control I had when they were younger, I hope I've been a good parent and trust them to make mature decisions independently. Additionally, our family is dealing with a prolonged illness in one of our children, causing stress, questions, uncertainty, frustration, and fatigue.

Aside from a new thematic and stylistic direction, I've also returned to using oil paints instead of acrylics. I incorporated mixed media as a base for my canvas artwork. I initially started painting with oils as a child, but as an adult, I switched to acrylics for their quick drying, less odor indoors, and faster drying time. I've truly enjoyed revisiting the gloss, blendability, and vibrancy of oils.

Once I envisioned my main image, I began with charcoal drawings of a child's face based on an online image. This helped me reacquaint myself with portrait drawing and focus on what I wanted to create in my painting. This formed the foundation of the main element of my painting, and everything developed from there. Stay tuned for more updates on "Uncertainty" and behind-the-scenes processes and ideas. Check out my Facebook and Instagram for work-in-progress videos and images!

Stay tuned for the final painting based on these explorations in charcoal on a further blog post coming soon!

Take care! Sandra x

Quick charcoal sketch of crying child by Sandra Vincent.