Friday, August 24, 2012

Calling it quits...

Calling it quits??? Is she crazy? Naw, I'm not quitting blogging, I'm just finally throwing in the towel on my current painting.  It started out to be an actual representation of a photo that I took of Peri in the train station in San Fran on the morning of our initial departure.  Once again I am reminded that a pretty cool photograph doesn't always translate into a beautiful painting (even when the subject is beautiful in her own right).

I may have mentioned that I take photos during my painting  process to  see what errors jump out at me.  Well, after forty photos and forty changes and forty layers of glazes, I have completely changed the photo from a bright sunny morning shot to a very dark and moody painting and it's still not "right". 

I'm going to post it anyway and say up front to my sister, who I love dearly, that I'm stumped and am calling it quits...I mean complete.

Keep it mind that this is a somewhat large painting, approximately 16 x 20 and I painted it on watercolor paper instead of canvas.  Originally I wanted to convey the brightness of the sun coming into the windows reflecting the lightness of our mood and our anticipation of the trip.  This never happened to my satisfaction.  I kept all of the photos of the process and will perhaps put them on my Flickr page at some point.  In the mean time, I give you a very different version.  The original plan was too busy and didn't highlight Peri in the way I wanted.  So I basically just blocked everything out with shadowy greys and blues and chalked it all up to experience.

I did finish up the crochet tote bag that I was working on.  I haven't made a handle yet, because it worked so well containing my wayward yarns that I don't want to empty it yet.

I have no new projects in the works, except a crocheted shawl that is working up slowly.  Who knows what I'll do next week.  Might be jewelry, might be sewing, might be more painting.  I guess we'll see.

Have a fun weekend and don't forget to stay creative.

4 comments:

Peri said...

Well, it doesn't look as bad as you think, Kiddo! Determine a location for some sunlight coming in from the right side high up and highlight a stream of light across chair backs and tops...might work. Nice picture though..and thanks for the sweet comments....
I like the tote bag!! The combination of all those colors is wonderful! Who knew it would be so pretty mixing them all? Proud of you...you're brave!

Rose Altom said...

I understand the feeling of disappointment when a painting doesn't come out as you envisioned it! However, I find that if I put away the painting for a bit (out of sight, out of mind) and come back later, it is really successful! I like your painting a lot! It is moody, thoughtful, and interesting.

Countryfolk Keepsakes said...

I agree with both gals, Peachy. Walk away from it for a while then look at it again with fresh peepers.
I like your sis's suggestion.
LOVE the bag too!! Cute!!
Heck, is there anything you can't do??? ♥

kathyj333 said...

I still think it's awesome. Hope you're well.