Overworking paintings is one of the things I seem to do best these days. In an effort to improve my paintings, I have recently tried more irregular and unpredictable methods, colors, textures, etc. The "irregular" and "unpredictable" elements came from a John Salminen workshop I attended; I know they are tried and true elements of good design. I just haven't mastered them yet.
In a recent attempt at working from a photograph taken by a member of Portland Plein Air and Studio Painters for the group's Winter Project, my husband told me at least three times that he thought I was done. I, however, was not convinced and continued to apply paint in a less conventional way. This was an exercise first and foremost and so an opportunity to experiment. It was a fun experience and I look forward to the posting of the next image in about a week.
I wonder however if an artist should play it safe and quit while the painting has a good traditional quality or risk what's working for a chance at creating something more exciting and original. I think I'm at a stage in my art journey where I need to reach outside my comfort zone. I've posted my interpretation of Winter Project #1 here on my blog.
I had a wonderful day today. Hope you did too.
good job---the pink water is unexpected. I think it is a good piece!
ReplyDeleteDonna,
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy and landscape using compressed space (lots of sky or, in your case, lots of land. I think the colors are dramatic and you've created interesting texture.
Is this a large piece? I'm interested in what J.S. techniques you used. I love to read about how a painting was made.
Margaret
I like it!
ReplyDelete