I am very close to finishing this piece, I can see that with about 25 undisturbed hours I could finish it. OK, well for me that seems very close. I can see the finish line close. There were doubts as usual. The background. Well, it is a new and appropriate twist on the subject. Then I decided to pump it up. I wavered with paintbrush in hand, then decided to go for it. I couldn't be happier with the results. Be fearless my friends. I'm just hoping my back will stand the strain and my allergies will give me a break. I had a comment (thanks!) on my most popular post "The Best Watercolor Storage System Ever". I stand by that statement. I still find this system extremely compact, user-friendly, and efficient. I bought these boxes at "The Container Store", and if you click this link it will take you to the correct page (updated link August 2015). The one thing I would change about that post is the paint tubes I displayed in the photo which includes colors I don't use on my palette. Sorry about that. As I've stated before I would rather paint than post so I was in a hurry to finish with a photo included. A special shout-out to self-described newbie Gayle.... We all start at the beginning. Personally I feel I start at the beginning with every single painting. The magic for me is while I am holding the brush. By the time I finish a painting, I'm completely over it. After the decision that I can't improve it...all my energy jumps to the next piece; the current work being relegated to "done". My advice to you is to immerse yourself in the painting at hand and cherish every moment of that journey. If you ever have a specific art question - ask. If I don't know the answer, we may learn something together. Back to my brushes. "Absorb what is useful, discard what is useless and add what is specifically your own." - Bruce Lee
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Back to my brushes.
"It is often said that before you die your life passes before your eyes. It is in fact true. It's called living." - Terry Pratchett A departure in this series, I am using my smallest brushes and it is driving me crazy. Picayune little strokes...ugh. But there is nothing for it till I get to the other side of the painting. Very busy today so I just wanted to let you know I posted a new Art Documentary Review on "The Mystery of Picasso". Remember the new reviews are at the bottom of the page. Back to my brushes.
"Those people who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do." - Isaac Asimov What is it about starting a new painting that lifts me up? The challenge? Anticipation? Fear? Yes, yes, and yes. Wrap it all up in one ball of sweet anxiety-ridden apprehension-filled anticipation. Now you know how I feel today and it is fine, so fine. Back to my brushes.
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson New art documentary review. Back to my brushes tomorrow.
"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination." - Carl Rogers I started the day working on the background of my current work. About two hours in, I realized I had just run out of time to complete this conceptual piece. So, I had to punt. And incredibly, it worked out. I am very happy to say that this piece is finally, FINALLY, complete. Signed. Destined to be put in the "I'll finish this later pile", I wrapped it up in about eight hours. Do I wish it could have been the original concept? Yes. But it works in this analogous color scheme and I am pleased with the result. Perhaps it is just relief. Back to my brushes.
"The world is governed more by appearance than realities so that it is fully as necessary to seem to know something as to know it." - Daniel Webster Spent the day making mistakes. Thanks for stopping by. Back to my brushes.
"It's not the winning that teaches you how to be resilient. It's the setback. It's the loss." - Beth Brooke Enjoyed seeing friends at the Mid-Southern Watercolorists Annual Exhibit opening reception that was held last Friday at the Arkansas Arts Center. If you have the chance be sure and see the exhibit. My painting, "The Fourth Measure", received the James and Dennette Woods Award. The lovely couple that sponsored the award were at the reception and it was delightful to meet them and be able to thank them in person for their generosity. Came home to about three inches of snow and the weather forecast is for four more inches this Wednesday. Ugh. I am so far behind my plan and this weather doesn't help. I have added a new art documentary review - Delacroix. Back to my brushes.
"The secret of my influence has always been that it remained secret." - Salvador Dali |
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