A Bit of Promise
When I first started (whatever this is) I explained that I hope to shine some light on the thought and effort that goes into creating a work of art. Too many people have the impression that artists are geniuses or magicians -- that one simply stands before a piece of paper, a canvas, a block of wood, a piece of stone, a lump of clay, and just goes at it like one possessed. And ta-dah, it appears before your eyes. Really, it isn't like that at all.
I have heard artists speak flippantly about their work, "Oh it's nothing. It just took me a couple of hours (blah, blah, blah)." The worst offenders. Why would you devalue what you do? I want to say to them, "If you did THAT in a couple of hours, perhaps you should be doing MORE."
I certainly do not wish to give anyone the idea that I think I am mastering this. I have spent twenty years practicing what I was trained for: graphic design. My professional experience informs the art I am attempting to create now but in no way does it make me adept at it. I am, in every sense, starting over.
I do think I've demonstrated that painting isn't easy and it takes time. The only way I will get any better at this is to do it. If you are reading, you get to come along with me. It won't always be pretty so it's okay to look away. Really.
The Lilies painting shown above was done over another painting. I do that quite often. Like people, most of my paintings have some history and a few secrets. I think this canvas was a peacock once. Its second life showed promise but I fell under work deadlines and it was put aside. Recently I picked it up again. Thanks to family support, I worked through the weekend until I was satisfied with the direction. I don't think I can be depressed while staring at it. It lifts my spirits somehow. For someone who has battled depression her whole life, this pleases me. If it cheers me up, perhaps it will benefit someone else while hanging on their wall.
Peace out.
When I first started (whatever this is) I explained that I hope to shine some light on the thought and effort that goes into creating a work of art. Too many people have the impression that artists are geniuses or magicians -- that one simply stands before a piece of paper, a canvas, a block of wood, a piece of stone, a lump of clay, and just goes at it like one possessed. And ta-dah, it appears before your eyes. Really, it isn't like that at all.
I have heard artists speak flippantly about their work, "Oh it's nothing. It just took me a couple of hours (blah, blah, blah)." The worst offenders. Why would you devalue what you do? I want to say to them, "If you did THAT in a couple of hours, perhaps you should be doing MORE."
I certainly do not wish to give anyone the idea that I think I am mastering this. I have spent twenty years practicing what I was trained for: graphic design. My professional experience informs the art I am attempting to create now but in no way does it make me adept at it. I am, in every sense, starting over.
I do think I've demonstrated that painting isn't easy and it takes time. The only way I will get any better at this is to do it. If you are reading, you get to come along with me. It won't always be pretty so it's okay to look away. Really.
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The Lilies painting shown above was done over another painting. I do that quite often. Like people, most of my paintings have some history and a few secrets. I think this canvas was a peacock once. Its second life showed promise but I fell under work deadlines and it was put aside. Recently I picked it up again. Thanks to family support, I worked through the weekend until I was satisfied with the direction. I don't think I can be depressed while staring at it. It lifts my spirits somehow. For someone who has battled depression her whole life, this pleases me. If it cheers me up, perhaps it will benefit someone else while hanging on their wall.
Peace out.