Being an abstract artist I decided I wanted to do a painting that was not fully abstract but was “abstract realism”. We all love a new challenge as artists and this one was a big one for me.
I pulled out an old canvas that had a painting on it and after brushing up on how to draw a face I started. Faces are not normally my thing but I was drawn to this idea so off I went.
What happened is the painting you see here. I must say I had a ball doing her as I felt so free. Since I don’t do faces…even abstracted faces there wasn’t any pressure to create something great.
I think it was because there wasn’t a lot of pressure on myself I was able to create without judgement. My inner critic didn’t even see any reason to be part of my day. I think she knew this would be a flop so why bother.
Wrong!
I like her and love the freedom of the painting.
My muse came and stayed with me but that isn’t always the way it is. Sometimes it is the exact opposite.
You know what I mean don’t you?
You know design, color and value; so why can’t you get your painting to hold together?
It isn’t that you are new to this thing called “Being an Artist!”
You look at your latest piece, and realize this is your fourth painting on that same canvas and you are now wondering if this one will be successful.
What is going on? Has your muse gone on vacation? Darn her, she should have taken you with her…I wonder if she is at the beach?
There are places within the painting that are great however the painting doesn’t say anything…it is tired, overworked and yep, it is sad.
Now what do you do?
This happened to me last week, so I realize just how frustrating it can be. You know those wonderful places within the painting you LOVE? Take a big brush, select a beautiful color and from your shoulder share that color you have just selected on that section you love.
Now turn the painting…keep going…check out all four sides. Select a viewpoint that makes the painting look totally different. This causes the brain to readjust and see your painting differently.
Perhaps there is a shape or color you didn’t see before.
Take out some white chalk…you know the old school chalk you used to draw on the driveway…now draw on the painting. The white chalk allows you to draw, change your mind, erase, redraw without causing a mess.
With your new vision start with transparent colors and glaze over sections.
This is what I call resurrecting a painting. So, what if there are four paintings under this one…your painting now has depth and mystery. There is personality under all those layers.
Seduce your painting back home. Don’t give up…it is worth the effort.
Learning how to revive, correct, re-love a painting is part of being a successful artist.
I now ask you…what do you do when a painting refuses to be born?
Can’t wait to hear your comments….leave them below or email me at gwen@gwenfox.com
Hugs
-gwen