I have been steering a course away from this territory all my life. But slowly I have been drawn in its direction. Now my resistance has finally snapped.
I have never really understood why it has been regarded in such low esteem amongst ‘fine artists’. The distinction between these two ‘schools’ has always seemed very distinct and rigid. You were either in one ‘camp’ or the other.
If you had any understanding or appreciation of art history you would find it hard to argue that a clear line between them existed.
If someone levelled this ‘accusation’ against my work now I would have no inclination to defend it. I feel I am embracing it. I used to tie myself in knots if I thought I was lapsing into illustration.
I no longer have this anxiety. A lot of this existential freedom is simply because I have been able to work without any external influences for three decades!
By the way, my first decent photo of this painting!! This time shot in ‘Camera Raw’ something I rarely use but may apply it to all paintings as the results are much better.
Bird in a tree 16. At the end of day 3.