Tell Me More, 18 x 14
I've been painting like mad, accomplishing not that much, because I've been what I call "deadline-stressing;" that is, getting paintings done for gallery commitments, gifts, etc. Meanwhile, I totally KNOW that my best work is from my heart, joyous and inspired. So I have been spending a lot of energy and wipe-outs to create the free, loose, yet true paintings that I want to do. As Dolly Parton famously said, "It costs a lot to look this cheap!"
I like the painting above, done with the last of my hydrangeas this year. Below is version number one of a painting I did recently, which I did NOT like, and the new, free-er take on the same subject below:
Be Mine, 16 x 16
Last week, I also did a wedding gift for my niece, Sarah, who is getting married in October; the painting was based upon a photo of her as a child. Of course, I caught a good likeness and feel on the first take, and then spent another entire day "refining" it to just get back to what I had!
So, I say to myself over and over: "Relax, let it flow, stay happy!" When I do this, it's a way better day...
Something About Her, 16 x 12
Photo of Sarah
And... best news of all, we leave for France tomorrow -- yay! The Provence trip is here -- Michael and I go to Paris tomorrow for three nights (at Ann Huff's beautiful apartment near the Eiffel Tower), then to the south of France to stay at Les Murets, her amazing maison near Gordes. A totally great group of painters and friends are joining us for a week of capturing the Provencal light, enjoying great food, lots of laughs, and of course, lots of WINE!
La Petite Maison (chez Les Murets), 6 x 6
Beautiful colors in these amazing paintings. Your level of work is so very high. I am in awe.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful paintings. I love Dolly's quote and have fun in France!!!!
ReplyDeleteTell Me More is just beautiful! Love the fresh just magical brushwork that dances your eye around the painting. You amaze me in how you always are striving to keep learning and honing your craft. It is inspiring and your work is just always a treat to see!
ReplyDeleteHave so much fun in France! Love the little sweet 6 x 6 painting...full of petite charm, just like you:):)
Travel safe friend!
Thanks for sharing. I'm glad I'm not the only one who does a painting over. The original roses were lovely, but then 2nd time around was even better and feels more like what I know of your work. Maybe we have to give up what's "right " for what's authentic. I'm working on where I want to be on the continuum between realistic and looser, more impressionistic and as I try to push out in a new direction is feels like I forgot everything I knew about the other direction. I keep trying to have the attitude that it's all a grand experiment in the name of learning, but it helps you keep going when something turns out. Have a great trip.
ReplyDeletePat, I so agree with all you have said.. thanks for your thoughtful comments!
DeleteYour work is such an inspiration! All of it! Thank you for sharing it! Enjoy France...sounds fabulous!
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