I finally finished my entry for this week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue: "Pink"I must say, this one was REALLY difficult for me, there are a LOT more layers of paint on there than I uually use! Thank God for the forgiving nature of acrylics! I must have painted the face at least a dozen times- I would finally accheive some sort of satisfaction with it, but then the shading on the arms would be wrong....then, I started the design with an Oriental Lily behind the ear, which I just didn't like once I added color to it, and the more I did with it, the less I liked it....so I tried adding some cherry blossoms, you know, thinking along the lines of MORE pink.....hated them, I added the peony- ok, finally, something going right besides the fan.....BUT, then, the shape of the head was wrong, and when did I forget how to paint an ear?!?!? That ear has been in more positions than I care to admit. So I put it away yesterday and refused to give in to any temptations to "just try one more thing" knowing that at a certain point, all you can do is just make it worse- one of my artist friends calls this "Muddling" which I think is a pretty good term.
Today, I got out my biggest brush so I wouldn't be able to fall prey to those pesky details that tempt me so and cranked up my I-Pod and let the music muse me through to the finish.
So here we are, and as always, I can see more things I would do, BUT, also as always, the hardest point of a painting is deciding when it's done. I *think* I like it....really I just need to not look at it for a while, and I'll probably find that I'm pleased with it. Maybe.
Any one else have those kind of days/weeks where everything they do seems to be one step backward instead of forward?
16 comments:
She turned out wonderful. You did a really good job with getting the reflection of her chin to show through the fan's light. The shading is quite nice on this painting. I'd say you can give the Montessori sigh of relief on this one..mission accomplished.
Worth the wait. She is truly lovely and I want to peak behind her fan!!!
Beautiful!!!
Yay Stephanie..she is beautiful and so inspiring. I think she turned out magnificently!! and i love the gentle yet powerful energy form this piece..very beautiful and empowering!
Shine on!
Victoria~
This is gorgeous. I am in awe of your talent, as I have often said. But you sound like you have fallen prey to my problem. Only mine is more like four steps back and NO steps forward. Sure love your entry!
This is very beautiful- love the detail as well. A wonderful flow of color and hint of shy expression!
I can totally relate to "muddling along" And, I too, love the forgiving nature of acrylics.
I think, for me, when I get to "that" point, where I am in danger of overdoing it, I can say to myself, "It's OK! I know I can fix it if i mess it up.!" That frees me up to be more daring. And, more times than not, I don't have to "fix" anything.
Oh she turned out lovely! Everything looks just right ~ I love the peony, and I just want to look behind her fan!
It's beautiful Steph! I don't know if it's the extra layers of paint you've used but there is a very appealing luminosity about this one.
We of course just get to admire the finished result, and don't witness any of the stress that goes into the creation lol!
You did a beautiful job!! I love the shadow of her face behind the fan. The shading work is wonderful!
Lovely!
Don'tcha just hate when that happens?? You lived with it too long so you don't see what we see - a lovely painting! Great job, lady!
Oh it's stunning!! I'm so glad you kept going. I've found that 'walking away' technique helps too. I'm just about to tackle a work project where the words just wouldn't flow last week, so fingers crossed...
Yes... we all have those days, but it is more like a mirroring of what is inside of us! If we let a little time pass, than things get prettier around us! When I am like that I just stop.
Anyway I just have to say to you that the painting is absolutely beautiful, I love it!
Blessed week!
Ana
http://faeryrealmcreations.blogspot.com
Wow, Steph! I just love her and the peony behind her ear. She is exquisite. I think in the end it was a triumphant finish my dear.
I believe we all have those projects that we see in our mind one way and cannot seem to get it on paper or canvas. It is quite frustrating . Sometimes it turns out better than planned and other times you want to chuck it but this time, you nailed it sweetie!
Your piece is beautiful. I really like how the flower and fan give style and color to the piece. And it is so cool when you explained your process, I can so relate to the review, change, and determination you wrote of. It turned out very beautiful!
I certainly do have those kind of days Stephanie, and I think a lot of artists do, but I am happy that you persevered because this is beautiful work:)
Hi Stephanie!
You know, I was just reminding myself yesterday (or maybe this morning)...The masters would take monthes or a year to complete a painting...
Why the rush to the finish line?
So, I understand what you mean. I also look at paintings I haven't sold and rework them. And I cringe to think of the paintings I sold...I know I could do better...
I also think, I think too much. Maybe I should give up the paintbrush and just philosify. Ha!
I love your painting, and I love your honesty on your struggle. It makes me feel less crazy.
XoX
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