This is one of my paintings in progress. There are so many things I absolutely love about it...the rich, warm colors...her hair and form...but it doesn't make my heart sing. Do you know what I mean? So...I am struggling with this painting but...am also trusting the process.
I add these words from a note that Tim gave me;
isn't he sweet? My husband is a romantic at heart and I have a
huge box full of notes, love letters and cards from him. I decide that I am going to use some of them in my art.
I use water and a paper towel and wipe the background vigorously to create a distressed look and allow some of the previous layers to show through. I love all the subtle variations and colors.
I cover up the warm pink in the bottom of the painting with blue; as much as I love warm colors...I need some cool to balance things out. I am still not happy with the direction of the painting and...am really struggling with it. Should I re-work it or completely cover the entire painting or...I am attached to the painting because I have already put in so much time, energy and heart into it.
Struggling...struggling. This is the part of painting that is definitely not relaxing...or meditative or...This is the very difficult part of making choices that are going to change the entire direction of the piece.
What to do, what to do?
I cover up her entire face with gesso. Now..this was really late last night and...I was
totally exhausted. I regretted it immediately! But only for like 2 mins. It's so easy to get attached to something we have worked on and invested so much of ourSELVES in but...I am letting go of my expectations and allowing the painting to birth itself. This is where I have to trust my intuition and listen to the painting.
What is this lady trying to say. Who is she? What is her story? This is the part of the painting process where I have to let go of this image I have in my head and allow the painting to speak to me.
Stay tuned!
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*Tara in her art class yesterday
...so very proud of her! She just
loves loves love her classes and paints with abandon and curiosity. She is one of my greatest teachers; it may sound so cliche but...it's the absolute truth.
4 comments:
LOVE, LOVE , LOVE! I am at this point in my work so this post was very inspiring to me. Your Tara is a gem. And that darling husband...:)
OK.OK. I LOVE the background colors truly! I need to know how you do that combo of colors. I'm not kidding! I have a vision of pictures frames painted just like the background with metal flowers in them. Sometimes you just have to set your work aside and when it's time the inspiration will come as to what to do with it. I know it will be gorgeous when your done no matter what.
I just love your backgrounds...so rich with colors and textures. Using those sweet, thoughtful notes from your hubby is a great idea - makes the piece so meaningful & full of little secrets in all those layers. I love it. I think we all struggle at times, with different pieces. It is hard to break through when it happens, but I just set the piece aside & take a break from it. Hopefully, to later come back refreshed. I love Tara's take on art...just explore, create with abandon & curiosity, trust your instincts. It can always be covered up...again. :)
i know what you are going through with your painting and it is something that cannot be express or explained in words. i have had to walk away from work that i wasn't happy with for awhile. i have also completely redone pieces and, a few times, have just thrown something away. it is our prerogative to search for the path in whatever way we see fit. but, personally, i love your painting and know that you will find the woman inside it.
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