The reason I decided not to do any demos on a separate canvas for every class is simple: there have accumulated large numbers of somewhat finished; half-finished, not at all finished medium size paintings. For that purpose, I invented my changeable demo board which can tolerate everything: all kinds of colors and themes. It takes a lot of work to bring these unfinished paintings to some completed condition. On the other hand, I do not always feel like I would be interested any more in either that subject, scene, or the work itself. You know this state: some time later, next week, next month, in the fall, etc. Procrastination is a tough thing to conquer.
We all evolve, it is not surprising that our priorities or preferred methods do not remain attractive forever. I suppose anybody who has done painting or writing over long period of time, has experienced the state when one has to really wonder what was that I liked so much in this picture, scene, poem, article, story or sketch. We have learned along the way, and the former passions pale out when compared to the most recent discoveries or achievements. To some point, that is also true when I think about some people who I was so passionate about 30-40 years ago. Were they worth the tears cried out? Oh my, I have to laugh now remembering the stuff which seemed like a tragedy back then.
The same laws of affection and love regulate my overall attitude to themes and objects which I would like exploring closer and drawing or painting. The colors I loved 30 years ago are not matching the color scheme I feel comfortable with at the moment. I would not say my drawing style or general approach has dramatically changed, but there certainly has been movement and development. I am one of those people who just took the pencil and started to draw, it was very simple and easy, and everything just fall in place as I moved the pencil around. I don’t actually use eraser when drawing, unless I would like to place something significantly higher, lower, more left or right. My mom had preserved portraits and illustrations I did when I was 10 (that’s 46 years ago), and I don’t find anything wrong with them. I suppose, I dared a lot because I had not studied anything art related. It was all fresh, all from scratch, and thus, totally unaffected by any other opinions.
These were my reminiscences from far away.
Today, I am facing a lot of work. Some of previous paintings are so highly textured that it is impossible to paint over the initial image or replace it with something else. I have been thinking also about adding some mixed media parts to such works, well, assuming I’d ever have time for that. I am not sorry to through out something which is completely out of line, but there is sort of appeal in previously used canvas. Some kind of challenge, too: is it possible at all to make something nice out of this mess?
That way, I have been adding some brush strokes here and there, and some paintings are actually getting done. Interesting enough, they seem to be unusually grey scale for me. Grays have abnormally huge scale of possible shades. It is interesting to observe what some particular stuff might result in.
The attached images might inspire somebody to also finish up their started works.
It is always fairly difficult to get on the photo the exact colors or look. I’m trying, however, no online image can ever replace the actual painting.
I love the fact that you still admire what you did at ten years old. There can be a lot of truth and beauty in untutored work.
And about those canvases that stopped short, for one reason or another…..I hate throwing them away…they hang around for a “re-birth”…..to become a “pentimento”, you know, the way museums are always discovering…a painting underneath another painting. I think the word “pentimento” relates to “repent”……the artist repeats having done the first painting, so turns it into a new painting on top of the old one…….
Thank you Cynthia! Very interesting comment, indeed! Well, I have given “re-birth” to quite a few paintings, and have “pentimento” stuff, too. It’s inevitable when one paints a lot, true. Many of us are sort of perfectionists, or when you paint without a photo or real reference, things need to be moved around until painting works. It makes sense to add or change something, and the painting which didn’t look good before can become just great.
Funny you should post this at this time, because I just decided the other day to finish all my unfinished projects. So far I’m doing pretty good.
See, I knew I was not alone!
Lovely pieces…
Thanks! I hope some of them will find a new home soon!
These are so moody beautiful!
Thanks Leslie! I sometimes get cravings to try completely different kind of painting. This time it’s color.
Hi Inese, The above painting would be a lovely addition to the literary media piece that I am constructing -theme mama nature and the forests. The piece is based on forest spaces and how we enjoy them. I would , of course, put your name on , your copyright , in side of the work. I will not be posting it for some time. May I take a copy of it from here? It also has your website on it, perfect. What do you think? I would not take a copy without your permission and we have spoken so you know me and my site. Thanks,
Hi Donna,
No, sorry you should not copy anything from the site. I haven’t published this on my sales website yet and I’m not sure how small it is because I usually re-size them. Let’s talk about this stuff some time later, but the same rules apply to everybody: I would not like anybody to copy any images from this site.
Your work is absolutely exquisite. I’ve browsed several categories and have been in awe each time. I wish your header didn’t move as fast – I have a hard time capturing an image I want to stop and really look at as I have nerve damage that delays my reaction time to moving objects on the screen. Nevermind however – I keep snatching until I find exactly what I want to look at. You have a beautiful collection in so many different areas.
Thank you Sheri! I appreciate you checked out quite a lot of stuff. Well, this header is difficult to adjust, here and there I’ve spent time trying to achieve optimal speed, however, the present speed works for most viewers. The other option is simply to click on a tag in tag cloud and there are also archives. Well, and the entire set of works is on Fine Art America. Link is on the right side. I am honored you went through so many posts, thank you! I wish you a blessed evening and good next week!
Your work is exquisite. My vision problems slow me down but I’ll continue to explore.
Thanks Sheri! I believe we all are happy when our work gets attention and somebody else finds it worth checking out.
Thanks Sheri! I appreciate that.