Friday, February 26, 2010

Grapes No.2


5.5 x 5.5 oil on hardboard
Every once and a while, I get into a kind of Zen mode as I paint. During that usually very brief span of time, the act of painting seems effortless. It's nothing I can control or predict, it just occurs out of the blue. The next day it's gone, and the struggle to paint returns. These grapes were the end result of one of those fleeting moments. I'm not claiming this is an exceptional work of art, it's more about that marvelous, and ephemeral experience of painting without thinking. I wish it came around more often. If you'd like to bid on this painting, click here.

24 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:30 PM

    I think this is exceptional work!

    I rarely, if ever, comment on your blog, thinking you don't have time to chat with beginners. But I look at all your pieces. You are a rare talent.

    Alex

    ReplyDelete
  2. Breathtaking, my favourite so far I think! I would love to know how you get such detail on such a small canvas! Amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Excellent Neil. This was unexpected . . .but truely masterful. I sometimes hit that Zone you mentioned . . time jumps and the day disappears and you stand back and say WOW . . .did I just do that.
    Oh to have that on tap. lol

    M

    ReplyDelete
  4. Fabulous piece. The colours and shapes are perfect.

    That artist's high is rather like a runner's high. You know you can keep on going forever and drawing or painting just falls off the brush. Pity is isn't a constant isn't it?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your work is delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Okay, now I just have to write about this one! I've long been an admirer of your work but this is a stunner! As far as that Zen experience, that comes in time. As I've been painting for literally most of my life, it occurs for me every single time I sit at my easel; I always say it's like being on auto pilot. Again, this one is utterly spectacular! Jeanne

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks everyone! Jeanne - Every time you sit at your easel?! I'm looking forward to that day.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great description of the "zone". It's a great place when it happens. Thanks for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ah that zen mode is bliss...never happens to me too often either but it's wonderful when it does. This one is sooo realistic. Beautiful if you like paintings of grapes.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I hope you paint more grapes Neil!

    ReplyDelete
  11. hi it is unbelievable....sooooo realistic.

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is flawless, James Neil Hollingsworth!!

    So unbelievably good for such a small painting.

    I don't know how you do it!

    -Dean

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is beautiful! Lya

    ReplyDelete
  14. Beautiful masterful work, may you always hit the zone. It is fun when it happens.

    ReplyDelete
  15. whoa.....this one is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  16. James,I give you the Sunshine Award for your beautiful and outstanding works!

    Please visit my most recent post where the rules are listed.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Absolutely stunning!!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am such a big fan of your work, and as great as it looks on your web site it blew me away in person. I am not sure why but this one even takes it a step further.

    I have been a quite fan for some time now but thought this was my opportunity to speak up. I've given you the "Sunshine Award." If you want to accept it, instructions are on my blog. :)

    It’s my way of saying thank you for sharing your amazing talent with all of us.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I struggled to believe it was a painting. It looks like it has to be a photo.

    EXCEPTIONAL doesn't even begin to describe this.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wow!...it's almost not even fair. I'm on my knees bowing in reverence. Great piece Neil!

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is beautiful! WOW!

    ReplyDelete
  22. This is out-standing - a real work of art. I could just eat these wonderful grapes. The talent you have is obviously a deep one. The powdering overlaid with water droplets really create the illusion of a spherical shape here and it is one I may well be using myself at some near point!

    Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love this painting and the way you describe the zone.

    ReplyDelete