Late Nights Painting and Thoughts of Thoreau

Painting the Still Life Late at Night

It is never the deed men praise, but some marble or canvas which are only a staging to the real work. . . . The true poem is not that which the public read.  There is always a poem not printed on paper, coincident with the production of this, which is stereotyped in the poet’s life, is what he has become through his work. . . . Perhaps the hugest and most effective deed may have no sensible result at all on earth, but paint itself in the heavens in new stars and constellations.  Its very material lies out of nature.  When, in rare moments, we strive wholly with one consent, which we call a yearning, we may not hope that our work will stand in any artist’s gallery.

Henry David Thoreau, Journal, June 30-July 1, 1840

At 5:00 this afternoon, when I stepped into the studio, I just couldn’t find the impetus to begin painting.  So I sat, poured myself a fresh cup of coffee, and set to reading from the Journal of Thoreau.  And I was arrested by this passage.  I love it when a thinker celebrates the act of making art, rather than the record of the deed.  The art is in the making.  For several years now, I have known this joy of making art, and not being quite as obsessed with the results.  If the painting comes out terribly, I can still say that the task of making it was a pleasant one, a rewarding one.

Work on this still life is starting to speed up. This afternoon I worked on darkening the skillet on the door, then working further on the woodgrains of the door itself.  I then refined some of the details on the vintage fishing reels littered across the bottom of the arrangement, as well as one of the handles of the fly rod.  I was surprised by a drop-in visit from a pair of great friends, true kindred spirits whom I have known for several years now, friends that share my enthusiasm for art, music and educational issues.  The chat that ensued still has me inspired as I continue to work into this night.  I was sorry to see them go, even though we put in a nice long evening of conversation.

Once alone again, I realized that I had not yet made dinner (it was 10:30!).  Once dinner was over, I came back out into the Cave and began work on this suitcase.  And there is where I leave it tonight.  I’m still trying to build stronger contrast, and create darker areas in this composition.  Nevertheless, I’m pleased with some of the objects that are now beginning to take shape.  I look forward to more fun with this tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.