Peacocky Macrame Dream Catcher

8 Jan

Recently I shared my latest paintings in progress and about how I was feeling a bit stuck with one of them. It's really funny, actually, because it's often the works I feel are crap, that I often get wonderful feedback from. I'm thinking this is because I get caught up in the struggle of resolution, while my viewers are able to see painting with fresh eyes.

When I came into my studio today, I could see that the area in the bottom right corner reminded me of a peacock's neck and crest. In my classes, I talk about 'finding objects in the clouds', which is exactly what happened organically for me here. I decided to work with this intuition and find a peacock reference image as my next step forward.

I chose this particular one for the look in his eye. I know the colourful peacocks are meant to be male, but this one represents me, I feel for some reason. And last time I checked, I was female :)

Strangely enough, I felt really vulnerable sharing my peacock in progress on social media. But I did it anyway because I have like allowing myself to be honest, warts and all.

With expressive painting, one addition can redirect the feel of a painting and when I saw the peacock in relation to the dream catcher, I felt that it needed softening and a sense of feminine addition.

I found a couple of wonderful image references for some beautiful macrame work that I wanted to use as inspiration to move forward.

... And I set to work recreating the essence of these on my painting.

So, here's where I'm up to now. Still a bit to go, but enjoying the process again and I feel like I've hurdled the road-block I met the other day. It really does pay not to give up!

I will keep you posted as she continues to unfold.