Incense Holder Study: Revisiting the Power of Line

“Incense Holder Study” 5 x 4 oil on panel

Today's painting, titled "Incense Holder Study," was a joy to create. Measuring 5 x 4 inches, this oil on panel piece involved a more comprehensive and careful drawing process than usual. I was able to find my flow quickly, and for the first time in a while, I felt at ease with the overall process.

Throughout art history, many artists have incorporated line as a fundamental part of their work. When I studied with Mary Beth McKenzie, she taught me how she integrated line into her paintings. During that time, I dove deep into this approach, emulating her technique. However, as I progressed, I moved away from this method, feeling that the line interfered with the mimetic quality of reality I was striving for.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on this shift. While the process that supported my intent seemed to align with my goals, I often found that the final works felt lacking in some way. With this painting, I decided to revisit the use of line, but this time I drew inspiration from Euan Uglow’s approach, which utilizes a finer line in the drawing process. This finer line has the ability to disappear more easily while also indicating where value and color shifts should occur on the form.

Although I’m still not entirely sure that I’m speaking with my true artistic voice, today I felt more connected to a deeper form of expression and a more meaningful interplay with the scene before me. Tomorrow offers another opportunity to speak more clearly through my work, and I’m eager to continue this exploration.