02/19/2026
So, this one is different. Or it is what happens when one goes off the painting railings (on a crazy train? Chup, chup)
For a couple of years now, I have noticed that my paintings went from loose markings, with texture and visible clumps of paint, to polished small fields of color, separated by lines.
The shapes, well defined and solid. Same dynamic composition. Still very colorful. But tamed into a gridded patchwork.
All the wild gestures that in earlier work were final strokes, got dressed up into tidy corseted shapes.
The last painting I posted is an example of that.
I do like it. But, at the end last year (2025) I decided to "relax" from the tension that comes from uncertainty and fear, and gave myself permission to be messier, so the paintings take a slightly different flare. It was going back to basics, with big brush strokes, transparent layers, dots and lines as more active players and with visions of Baroque heavens opening up "a la Apocalipse a la carte". (Must be something in the air! Who knows!) I started about 3 paintings in this direction, but I have only finished this one. This painting also went through some calm editing and I think it is better for it.
My issue now is how to reconcile both painting styles: Up-tight carnival and end of times with polka dots.
I have spoken with other artists about this and it comforts me I am not the only one that gets a bit lost here and then.
