my 'dog' phase

Artists go through phases and I must be going through a "dog" phase. I know Picasso went through different phases: blue and rose periods, cubism, surrealism, and expressionism to name a few, each lasting anywhere from 1 to 30 years. Other artists, like Pollock with his dripped paintings and Dali with his melting landscapes, stopped pursuing artistic exploration and experimentation, preferring to stick with what worked.
 
I'm still in the exploration phase of my art journey, trying out different techniques and themes to find a signature style. I've used different mediums: acrylics and oils; experimented with different paraphernalia: brushes, kitchen utensils (spatulas, knives, even a crab pick), leather tools, and fingers to get that perfect line, unique texture or model curve. I’ve painted on different surfaces: fabric, paper, canvases, walls, glass, wood and utility boxes. Maybe like Picasso, I’ll never settle on one style.
 
Instead of clothes shopping; paint supply, hardware and kitchen stores continue to be my preferred commercial venues to frequent. I feel I'm getting closer but am still trying to figure out to what. Nevertheless, for the time being, I continue to enjoy my 'dog' phase. I love dogs, always have, and this might just be my way to stay connected with man’s best friend. For the time being!