We All Need a Go To Subject

Apple - first painted with a knife, second with a brush

Do you have a go to subject? I’ll bet you do. If you’re a musician, there’s probably a piece you go to when you aren’t playing well and need to get back into it. If you love to cook, you’ve likely got a go to recipe or two, comfort food for your brain and stomach. If you’re a jogger or bike rider, there must be a trail or road that attracts you when you’re not feeling on top of your game. Whatever you like to do for pleasure, I’ll bet you’ve got a go to subject, one that’s familiar and comforting.

As for me, I've got go to painting subjects. I turn to them when things aren’t going well or I haven’t painted for a while. Apples are a favorite. They’re so cheerful and even more so on a green background. When I need to practice, I grab a few apples. And then I eat them after the painting is done.

Lobster boat sketches first, Diligence - 6"x6" oil on canvas board, second

You won’t be surprised to hear that boats are also a go to subject for me, especially for drawing practice. I love to sit on the dock or on our boat, and watch the other boats swing around on their moorings. Though moving, they give me the same view every 30 seconds or so. I have to be fast with my pen or wait until the next swing.

Sunflowers - painted with gouache first, and oils second

Another go to subject for me is sunflowers, especially those with leaves. I love their chunky shapes and bright colors. They come with different colored centers, from green to ochre to brown. I like to get them in the light with shadows on their faces, or in a bunch in a vase. There aren’t many things more cheerful than a sunflower. They are just right when I need cheering up.