Paint like you're rich! That's what my painting instructor told our class this week. She was urging us to use more paint. So today I squeezed out double the usual amount I put on my palette, grabbed that honking big brush and went to town.
I have to admit that I have been in a painting funk lately. I hate everything I paint. I told that to my husband, and he said, "you aren't going to cut off your ear, are you?" No, but I've wiped off lots of paintings that I never posted. Luckily, I was born with the "happy gene", as my brother puts it. I wake up happy every day. But my painting lately doesn't make me happy. I want to paint loose and lush. My careful, tidy nature collides with that at every turn.
Jeff Mahoney has one of the best posts about the self-loathing I'm going through, called "what I've learned". I had to go back over and re-read it today to kick myself into painting. Basically he says that you have to learn to accept the negative thoughts and keep going.
So, I asked myself, is there anything I like about this painting? Well, the background is nice. And I like the water glass. I guess it isn't a total loss.
The flower and leaves are a mess. All the paint I was using turned into a kind of sludge that I was pushing around. Argh! Lucky for me, I'll wake up happy again in the morning!
First, thank you for the link to Jeff Mahoney's blog. One of the best posts I have read in a long time. Accept the negative thoughts & keep going - so simple sounding, but not always so simple to do. I hear that voice when I paint "looks awful, who you kidding - you can't paint, nice try but no go" and etc. My mistake was trying to reason with that voice when I was suppose to invite it to sit down next to me while I paint! I like your flower and don't think it's a mess at all. It's bright & cheery - it has the same happy gene as it's owner (how I envy you on that one). Keep painting!
ReplyDeleteNan, thanks for visiting and for the kind comments. Those negative voices are dreadful!
ReplyDeleteNever stop painting, Virginia!! We all have those negative thoughts, but you must put them behind you and just paint, Not easy, I know, but good, bad, or ugly you are learning and hopefully having a good time. You know the saying ..... miles of canvas! Your work is too good to stop!! Your bright and happy personality will keep you going each day!! :-)
ReplyDeleteLovely color palette and nice application of paint.
ReplyDeleteYes, I used a reddish/orange underpainting.
I like this one. Wonderful variety of colors in the petals. I do like that background- very pretty color. Glass is amazing- I feel like I am a pretty happy natured person too:) I did the 7 link challenge you tagged me in today. It was fun! Thanks for thinking of me. Take care,
ReplyDeletePlease don't cut your ear off:) Your hubby is so funny! Sending you creative vibes and hope you get out of your funk:)
ReplyDeleteVirginia--I found you after your comment on my blog and am so happy I did. Your comments are thoughtful and insightful, and your paintings are beautiful! I wanted to tell you that the small studies I've been doing (truly, unfinished and simply studying one thing per panel) have been so helpful. When you're feeling unsure or simply want to learn more about a subject, there is no pressure in an unfinished 6 x 8--especially if you give yourself a time limit, say 15-30 minutes. Just sharing what's been so much fun for me. You'll pull out of the funk--just keep the brush going!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for the encouragement! Julie, your comment is very helpful. My problem is that I want every painting to be a finished one, worthy of posting. I need to relax and think of them as just an exercise.
ReplyDeleteYou're being awfully hard on this little painting! Aside from your happy gene, you're very determined and that will counteract the dissatisfaction. Being critical is useful--it pushes us to do better and because you're you,
ReplyDeleteit won't conquer you. Thanks for your tag, Virginia. It really was a good exercise and an opportunity to see some artists we're unfamiliar with.
Chère Virginia, votre mari a beaucoup d'humour, n'arrêtez surtout pas de vous intéressez à la peinture, une pose est peut être salutaire, j'en ai fait une il y apeu de temps, mais restez avec nous sur le blog et l'envie vous reviendra avec plaisir et vous verrez votre travail avec un autre oeil, et tout ira mieux très prochainement
ReplyDeletecath
Love your thoughts and your painting in this post. You are always so insightful when you comment on my work. You keep painting girl!
ReplyDeleteWould it help to keep some of the wipeouts instead of wiping them out? A couple of weeks later, get them out and put them where you look at them as you go by. They'll speak to you.
ReplyDeleteThis painting is better than you think. Keep painting!
I love this post, Virginia! Someone told me a long time ago that I shouldn't put negative comments about my work on my blog. I've tried to heed this advice, but deep down inside honesty is more important to me. This art journey is ups and downs, and critiquing our own work is essential. I love the honesty of this post. When I read about "the happy gene" I said "Yep!" I can see your happy gene in your face and in your comments. I enjoy your paintings and the sunshine you spread to the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteCaladh, some of them are so bad I don't want anyone to see. So I wipe them off and reuse the panel.
ReplyDeleteKaren, I try not to post negative thoughts very often. I have not been able to paint much this summer because I had two grandsons here for two months. I feel very rusty and frustrated right now.
Linda Popple is right: miles of canvas. I haven't painted anywhere nearly enough.
Virginia... first of all we have all been there. It's really easy to slip into an "I suck at this" mode if what we're producing isn't what we're intending. (I, too, have the 'happy gene', and I"m thankful for it!) But here's what you do. Think before you put ONE brush stroke down. Do I have the color I'm looking for (use those pinholes on your viewfinder)? Do I have the 'right' brush? Am I looking for a looseness in the edge? Carol Marine demonstrated her loose technique, and she's one of the most deliberate, thoughtful painters I know. She paints almost to the edges of the object (one swipe per stroke, none of this 'back and forth' stuff we are all tempted to do. Then she cleans her brushes off, and paints FLATLY, brush almost parallel to the canvas, LIGHTLY over the edge. Then cleans her brush and takes the other object color and does the same thing. I know loose LOOKS fast, but the good ones are really deliberate and careful, thoughtful and knowledgeable about how to lay the paint down!! Keep going - you'll do it!
ReplyDeleteOh! Virginia I don't think this one is a loss at all look.at that flower I like the softness of the petals the touches of yellow are a beautiful touch. I do also have those blah days when only ugly comes out. I threw away two yesterday. Sometimes I wake up and everything I touch turns out bad almost like I forgot everything but then there is always another day a better day. I wish you many better days.
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