Creative Process for “Reaching Out”

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Reaching Out, acrylic on canvas, Work in Progress, Susan T. Martin 2017
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Reaching Out, Acrylic on Canvas, Beginning Stages, Susan T. Martin 2017
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Before Reaching Out, Landscape of St. Lucie River at River Park Marina,Acrylic on Canvas, Susan T. Martin, 2016

I wanted to share some of my creative processes, and this piece in a fine example. As it is a work in progress, I still have much pondering to do! It started out as a landscape, but after my Dad died in the middle of my painting this piece, I was shaken to my core, and felt that I was drowning in grief. Did I convey the crushing, suffocating pain of losing my father?

In the intermediate image I can see the black waves of pain pulling me down, all the negativity like a ball and chain pulling me into the depths. Also, I did not realize the blood in the water until I had left the painting for weeks. One can also discern the tiny people who seem oblivious to the swimmers plight.

Happily, I see some healing in my latest efforts…will she have a savior appear?

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