I don't know what possesses me sometimes. To set up a still life, with perishable fruit and delicate plant material, when I know I will not have enough uninterrupted time to finish, and I'm out of practice with acrylics... well, it's crazy, isn't it? Not to mention my failure to acknowledge the importance of preparation... of work space, materials (do I even OWN a decent brush right now?), or location of the set-up (within inches of an often-used door! Brilliant!).
So, the nectarines are brown and mushy, the leaves of the sweet woodruff are pointing DOWN, three brushes are on their way to the trash, and this little painting is not finished. But, here it is anyway! (6"x6", acrylic on masonite) The tiny yellow pitcher is a favorite object of mine. I'm thinking that my collection of pitchers would be a good theme for this summer's artwork, so expect to see them, in all their diversity!
Having had a little preview this past week of living and working with extra people in the house, I think it might be wise for me to stick with my colored pencils while we have a son, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons (ages one and a half and three) staying with us for the month of July. Yes, definitely.
11 comments:
Looks good to me just as it is. I totally empathise about the bad brush day. Colour pencils really do have a lot going for them!
I am always amused by what people think of their own work. Terrible painters are praised as if they were the second coming of Leonardo and they believe it. A good painter such as yourself can always be relied upon to excuse their work due to unfavourable conditions or ciecumstances. I look at it and say to myself, I cuddna painted that with permanently preserved fruit, the best materials and tools, and a year to paint it.
Thanks, Gillian. Colored pencils it is, until I go brush-shopping!
Thank you Ron... and "Ouch!" Your description made me think of my ninety-something-year-old Aunt Mary. For as long as I can remember, she has been showing up at family gatherings with the most incredible and scrumptious desserts... massive cheesecakes, dense fruitcakes, and every kind of Italian cookie you can imagine. We always shower her with praise, and she invariably says, "No, they didn't turn out right at all! It's that damn oven!"
a lovely still life! you demonstrate a mastery of your materials and the knowledge of how to construct a great painting with impact.
Mastery shmastery!
But, many thanks for your encouragement.
I think we are the best judges of our own work and the worst.
Here-here! You've got something really nice happening...no need to point out pimples, this is a really beautiful piece. The design on that plate is a delicate and rich detail. Pat yourself on the back, you've got it.
Hey Liz,
I looked for your email address, wanted to chat about something with you...shoot me an email at tmbonita@comcast.net
all my best,
Todd
Hey Todd, thank you! Maybe I've just been looking at too many photorealistic artists' blogs lately.
Note: The old, moldy nectarines and wilted sprig of sweet woodruff finally made their way to the compost yesterday, where they will eventually become nourishment for a future still-life component. The circle of life/art!
I like it - finished or not!
It looks finished and the design on the plate came out awesome.
Ron is right about artists. I often get a result that is slightly 'off', from what I wanted, and other's like it.
So many good painters here in the blogosphere. Inspiring!
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