Or the day my head blew up
In my quest for constant and never ending improvement I sometimes get too much information in my head. One day, as I put brush to canvas, my head blew up.
It all started when I was unhappy that my painting had gotten too tight (it wasn’t that way in art school and college!). It may be skillful but not very expressive. So I looked to artist’s whose work I admire—old masters as well as currently working artist—to learn new techniques.
I took a workshop, watched some videos, a tutorial, read some books and magazines. After working for years with the colors I used in college I tried a whole new brighter palette and was I having some success. I learned some looser brushwork techniques. I keep going.
One artist uses more colors; one uses a limited palette; one uses 3 colors plus white. One tones their canvas, another does not. Etc.
One day painting, the information was all in conflict in my head. That was the day it all started swirling around and my head blew up. I had to stop, light a candle, meditate, and begin again.
Let’s just try ONE thing and see what happens. Let’s think about just this ONE thing and if it works, fine; if not, fine.
And “Fresh Flowers” came out way better than I expected. Not as loose as I’m working toward, but I pretty much like it. What do you think?
This did really work, it is lovely. What did you concentrate on?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. This was working with a limited palette, warm and cool of red, blue, and yellow, plus white. Keeps the work harmonized.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nice work!
LikeLike
Fresh Flowers is in the pleasing colors, form, a calming painting. A delight to spend time looking at it. Keep on exploring and working, Andrea, your work is wonderful.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on From 1 Blogger 2 Another.
LikeLike
Hi, Andrea – I wanted to see for myself why you would leave the comment you did on my tutorial page and now it all makes sense.
You are a very gifted artist and it is easy to understand your journey.
For me, I had a vision problem and after years of detail, I had to search for something to excite me and still use the ability I had. Non-representational painting would not fit the bill.
We all search for our own spark of bliss don’t we?
Your work shows a wonderful sense of color and design. Warm and cool vibrations plus texture.
You have it ALL!
LikeLiked by 1 person