I explored some similar ideas previously. Take a look at Monochrome (2020), monochrome patterns, mostly dots. And Colors I Hate (2021), one or two colors on mostly simple shapes.

A few more, pictures with no words.

I had intended the previous two posts to be a quick introduction to a series with explores one way to alter the simple monochrome shapes. I figured they were too boring for a dedicated series. Generally, I prefer chaotic and messy.

However as I was selecting the images for the introduction I found the simple patterns to be soothing and introspective. They do deserve a separate series.

So I am going to post a few more before moving on. Many others have been put on the shelf for now. I will pull them out from time to time and continue this series between other inspirations.

I have been trying to do things "all at once". I rush to add the little tweaks and features that are the basis of an inspiration. But then the finished item seems unplanned. For example, I may wish I had started with a better background. But the energy is not there to start over.

Recently I have been playing with black and white shapes. Not intended as finished products, but rather as an ingredients in a more complex composition. The hope is that the minimal monochrome forms will become solid starting points.

That are many ways to proceed from here. They are options for a background. Color can be added. They could be replicated at different scales and become a theme. The smooth surfaces could be distressed with rough edges, cracks and tears. Two or three could be combined to generate conflict.

It has been four months since my last post. Yes, other things have kept me busy. But that is not a good explanation. I have spent a lot of time trying to create pieces for this blog. I am trying to create something unique and special. This is not that. It is just that I am worried that if I let the blog sit idle much longer, I will never get back to it. So here is something to generate some momentum.

As often happens, I have nothing new to say. This is the same theme I have been working on for a couple of months. I am cleaning up and polishing the pieces that were left to gather dust in the corners.

So, no words, just pictures for a while.

It is easy to just let things slide. Soon a few days away becomes weeks, months, even years. Every day of inactivity raises the barrier to start again by a little bit.

The energy and/or inspiration to tackle something completely new escapes me right now. So I am revisiting some unpublished / unfinished pieces that were intended for the current set but for whatever reason did not make the cut.