Painting from Passion - Summer 2009 Issue of Horses in Art Magazine

Painting from Passion

by Faye Taylor

Last Light – Oil on Canvas by Faye Taylor.
“Wow, am I ever lovin’ this!” I exclaimed as I stood at my easel. I had just begun a new painting after taking a 5-day plein air workshop. Up until then, I had been painting in a tight, almost photorealistic style. I had become so inhibited, painting felt like my job, not my joy.

Now, almost a year later, I am still lovin’ it! I feel like my paintings have new life.

Though I am still technically correct and representational in style, I try not to get too caught up in the tedious and let go the passion that comes from inspiration. In addition to painting what I see, I now paint what I feel.

Using bigger brushes with less emphasis on detail helps me express my passion for my subject. I have regained my joy! This is not to say my work has become abstract or even impressionistic, but it is more expressive and free and painterly in style.

Last Chore – Oil on Canvas by Faye Taylor.

When I select a subject for painting it is because something about it moves me. Whether it is the way the light hits, the beauty of the form itself or the story that it tells. I am inspired. The story – that really is it for me more than anything else. A Good Ponder has a story behind it. What is he pondering? That’s why, out of the 150 photos I took off deck that day, I chose to paint from this one.

One of my latest paintings, Last Chore, really touches a soft spot in my heart. I photographed it in late afternoon, golden hour light. This cowboy was cutting some calves out for some unknown reason. It wasn’t some special event, but he was still dressed like a cowboy sitting a saddle with Spanish style stirrups. The light, the dress and the scene were as close to perfect as I’ve ever gotten.

Of course I took some artistic license in changing his Carhart jacket to blue denim, and I added a calf or two, and I made the grass greener, and changed the background some. But that’s all part of artistic, interpretive expression.

A Good Ponder – Oil on Canvas by Faye Taylor

I like the story that the painting suggests, but doesn’t tell all. Is he tired? Was it a long day? Why is he cutting out those calves? It looks a little chilly; is he heading to the fireplace when he’s done? Maybe a sweet wife will have some supper ready when he gets home.

Sometimes, I have to invent light and an entire scene because I’m using a photo from a rodeo event that inspired me. That’s what I did in Last Light. And again, it certainly tells a story.

The story a painting tells is a crucial part of the art. It helps the viewer connect to the piece, finding a common passion with the artist, a kindred spirit kind of thing. Isn’t that what expressing yourself is all about?

To view more of Faye’s art visit her web site at www.fayetaylor.com.

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