“It is not especially easy, but when we turn off that little critical voice and when we really don’t look for results, we are far more able to surrender to that song from within.
“The irony, of course, is that when all this energy pours through us, the process becomes that wonderful state of being that makes art possible. The results are so much better. And paintings are just those things that happen as we discover and create who we are.”
Jerry’s philosophy is “complete at every stage“: “I am suggesting that we ought to think of a painting (and making art generally) less as a manufactured product and more of something alive that grows and moves in unexpected directions, not unlike jazz improvisation or even like the growth of a child.”
He explains it in his book “The Practice and Philosophy of French Impressionism” (follow the link from his website and click on preview).
i always referred to it as the symphony, or being a part of it. the movements. and especially ending on the same note. never a feeling of accomplishment so much as just a gratitude in being invited to play
“Being invited to play” is a lovely way of thinking about it, to put our focus on participation and the doing.