Twist and Turns

The Eternal Now paintings no. 1-4, by Anthony Greentree

I was only talking about spontaneity and its relationship with discipline the other day. That seems to be the case with my paintings at the moment. Each one has its own set of challenges, the idea of balance with the portrait and the background, trying to create atmosphere and energy. 

Last night my 4th painting in the series was a quite a pivotal moment for me as for the first time ever I felt I could apply colour and application with more confidence. I am trying to create a sense of being at one with our surroundings, blending in with the outside world that we seem to be trying our best to detach ourselves from because of our busy daily lives. 

I am in a process of learning how to meditate at the moment (zazen) and I think what I am experiencing is starting to show through my work. The idea of shutting off your thoughts and taking in external elements is totally fascinating. In Zen buddhism the idea of the enlightenment or awakening is a difficult one to get your head around, but with the likes of Alan Watts who has been a huge influence of late, has helped me on the path of rediscovery.

I have a long way to go yet with these paintings and I am already excited as to where the next ones will take me. People have kindly sent me pictures so that I can use for reference for the remainder of the works that I hope to exhibit in October.