Paco’s Aunt, Phases 2 & 3

Paco’s Aunt, Phase 2 – Oil on Canvas – 21 x 29 inches.

Several days ago, I posted two images that showed the beginning of the transformation of a portrait of a woman, the result of a challenge given to me by her nephew. They were the first of a series; here are the next two phases. Lapo Guzzini, my friend and colleague, calls the transformation of the portrait, “creative destruction.” But what does it mean to create destructively? Or to destroy creatively? Such paradoxes resist explanation. I hope the images themselves will give you some insights.

Paco’s Aunt, Phase 3 – Oil on Canvas – 21 x 29 inches.

I have had only two clear objectives in this endeavor: to respect the woman and also the artist who painted her. There are other objectives, but they remain far from clear. For example, I’d love to paint what I’m not able to see. A thought like this may sound odd coming from a visual artist: we’re supposed to paint things people can see, aren't we? Also, for many years I have been fascinated by change; I mean by everything changing, constantly and always. So how does one paint change on a flat surface? I don’t know, and I’m not being coy in saying so. It’s true: I don’t know. The best course I follow then, is to experiment. And to trust. Something will happen.

So I apologize for this mess I’ve made of the portrait. But it’s only temporary. Phases 4 and 5 will come along soon. Thank you, I appreciate your patience in following the trials of the metamorphosis of this poor woman. We’ll find our way out of the woods. Perhaps better said: we’ll find our way by going deeper into the woods, and getting lost.

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For more thoughts and images:

My book ☛ Double Vision, Waking Dreams
My website ☛ JohnMichaelKeating.com