I listen to podcasts and music while I paint. Yesterday, there was an insurrection on our nation's capitol. It literally started when I was just blocking out the beginning colors. This was our own 'War of the Worlds'. It was not a tract from John LeCarre. It was real in real time. Once I am in 'the zone' painting, there is really no turning back. I had already rejected my original landscape plan, so I had consciously zeroed in on this painting. The capitol police were instructing congresspeople to crawl on their bellies to a safe exit and while I was listening to this I was painting grey clouds with some blue shining through.
I painted to the end and the news was of relative safety.
Then I went home and renewed my media obsession until Congress formally ratified the election at around four in the morning.
I could breathe again. And sleep. Like the bedded-down earth I was immersed in.
Oil on board, 8"x10"