108 Repetitions

It is said that the origin of suffering is attachment. When I think about “attachment” and my process as a painter, I realized that I am constantly practicing non-attachment. I have been asked by many people, ” why would I want to paint over a painting that is beautiful or close to being done”? My response is … why not? My paintings have many layers and each layer underneath the final image is part of a conversation that was not finished. I don’t know any other way to paint. I have always created this way. There have been a few times in my life when I have completed a painting with the first attempt…but that is very rare.
For example today, I began painting a Buddha on top of a beautiful abstract painting that I finished last week. I ended up covering him up with white paint. It would have been a beautiful painting, but something inside my mind and heart told me that I needed to let it go. What the outcome will be is yet to be known. However, after I finished painting over the work that took me about six hours I decided to clean my studio and I am looking forward to spending tomorrow working on some smaller paintings. I need a break from the big canvas. I actually think I am becoming fond of painting on the smaller scale. Funny how things work out. Just thought I share with you my process thus far and thanks for stopping bye to see what I have been up too!

6 Responses to “ 108 Repetitions ”

1. Cynthia Baxter says:

   July 1, 2010 at 10:37 pm

   thanks Marlene…I find it very interesting that you are willing to paint over and cover your work, making it a secret but integral part of a completed piece. I can see that the process is what excites you.
2. laura says:

   July 2, 2010 at 6:51 am

   Miss Marlene, I love your ability to let go and be in the moment and I love seeing your great photographs. Is there a way to click on them to see them bigger? I find I always want to see the details. LOVE them & you! xo
3. Marlene says:

   July 5, 2010 at 4:56 pm

   Hi Laura,
   I will try to attach some more bigger ones for you! I can understand the need to see them bigger! I would love to get you to come visit and work in the studio with me? Would you be into that?
   Marlene
4. Marlene says:

   July 5, 2010 at 4:57 pm

   Cynthia,
   So good to hear from you and see you visiting my blog! Thank you for your support!
   Marlene
5. laura says:

   July 14, 2010 at 9:52 pm

   Of course I would LOVE working in your studio with you! We should talk more about it, as well as you being a guest blogger like we talked about. You still in? miss ya!
6. Marlene says:

   July 19, 2010 at 12:28 pm

   For sure! Lets talk!
   M