Posies
24x30
This is a painting I did in oil about a year ago. I haven't done a lot of flower paintings because usually I get so caught up in the details, that I'm not happy with them. But in this painting, I painted just the very basics. I admire other artists who are able to capture the subtle nuances of flowers. I'm just not one of them.
It's that way with my other work too. In landscape art, if I start recording too much, I feel the painting isn't me for some reason. I prefer the distilled version. I enjoy capturing the vague impression of the landscape. To me, this feels real - authentic.
It's taken a lot of time and tons of paint to come up with this final analysis of my work. I've only come to this conclusion because now I can look back more objectively. Painting the very essence of a still life or landscape requires more thought for me because it requires more editing and planning.
On a different note, I'm thrilled to have received a Lemonade Award from Kathleen Krucoff. She's an amazing glass artist and if you haven't checked out her blog yet, you're in for a treat. The only problem I'm having is downloading the badge (a requirement) onto my site. So I'll have to wait for one of my twenty-somethings to help me!
12 comments:
Oh my gosh you put this so perfectly...your assessment of what feels authentic. I feel the exact same way. When too much detail creeps in, when I start drawing with the paint instead of painting, I get really uneasy, anxious, and I don't like the painting anymore.
But, the painting here doesn't look like this...but I know how it feels.
Interesting what you say here. I also feel that too much detail is not me...I usually like things to be suggested more than spelled out.
Hi Karen, Yes, the more suggestive the painting is, the better. Hope you're enjoying all your travels. I can't wait to hear about the workshop, especially!
Hi Jala, When I put in too much detail, I tend to wipe out the painting. Thanks!
This is really nice! Love the variety of edge and texture. "Feels real"
This is a beauty, and I like your
whole discussion about finding a voice.
I think the voice comes through the way we put our own marks on a canvas.You've done that admirably here.
Barbara
This is beautiful and loose. I think you've captured that elusive thing called the "feeling" of the subject. I'm constantly trying to do that. Detail is wearisome for me too. I hate it when my paintings look tired and overworked. Sometimes its hard to differentiate between detail and development.
Keep painting to find your voice. I am doing the same. "Getting there is half the fun."
Hi Brian, This one feels real to me too - it was painted quickly. Thanks!
Hi Barbara, Interesting - as you put it "the way we put our marks on the canvas". I guess that would make us each unique. Thanks for your comment!
HI Neetzy, Umm.....I like your comments too. Also very interesting - about the difference between detail and development. Sounds like food for thought for another post. Thanks so much!
Janelle... This is terrific... and such a wise analysis of a common issue which so many of us share.
Whatever you did on this one, though it WORKS!!!!!
Hi Marian, It's taken me a while to realize this editing philosophy. Seems simple to simplify, but it's not. Thanks so much.
if there is one thing i have learned in the past two years janelle, it's painting the way that feels most comfortable for you. you can refine your skills and technique without compromising your style. do your thing!
Thanks, Christine. Very well said!
beautiful! enough form to recognize what it is, without all the details. I love it.
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