Oil Pastel, 7x5"
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I am in a state of very tired....this painting was one of those that did not head where I thought it was going. I did something with it I really liked, and was actually putting away my supplies, when I just had to touch it one more time. I get carried away with this oil pastel medium, because I enjoy the process so much. So I tried to add "just one more bit" of some color that didn't work where I put it, threw the whole thing off, made me lost the effect I had worked for quite awhile to achieve. That one color did all that.
At first I was sure that a little scraping would do the trick, as it has other times this week. Not this time. Deciding the painting was lost, I decided to trash it, in my own way that I call, "going off on a painting." Something I tend to do when a painting is lost--mess with it in ways I wouldn't if I thought it were going well, to see if I can at least learn something.
At one point in the process of going off on this painting, I felt a balance again... I perused the painting. Yes! This will do! This gives me the feeling, the essence of the place when I was there. Never would have thought that would happen from a totally lost painting
And the more I look at it, the more I love it and the more I wish I could show you this one in person. It is softer and less "contrasty" in real life, and I, for the life of me, cannot get it to look correct using Photoshop Elements!
Now, to leave it alone. I literally had to remove the painting from my access to make sure I didn't get caught up in the cycle again!
Is is still art if you almost threw it out?
12 comments:
What beautiful colors.... sweeps you in,,, I know the feeling ,,,just one more touch... one more color and whoops gone... can't see anything off so glad you fixed it...
Meredith I loved reading about what happened when you added that one more bit. That happens to me so often and I have forced myself to put things away for awhile. You have captured the wonderful light, colors, reflections, shadows of the moment of happiness when you are someplace that becomes even more beautiful than it really is. I would love to see this in person.
Meredith,
I was in a bad mood until I saw this painting! The colors are so vibrant and inviting and happy!! I LOVE it!!
Love,
Jackie
Hi, Meredith. Yes, I've learned it's the ones I'm ready to destroy that people love the most. And have you tried Brightness/Contrast in Photoshop?
Glad you got a hold of yourself for this one...it's lovely.
Thank you all so much...somehow I am feeling the need to document on the blog some of my internal process, not just the paintings themselves. Seems like some of you can relate, so that is fun, too!
Carol Steinberg, thank you for the suggestion...I have tried Brightness/Contrast to no avail. Will have to try that one again, though!
Jackie--hint--you have been there!!
I've sold more paintings I thought was trash than I care to say. I love the colors in this. I always tell a joke to classes I've never had before. I am a certified florist and it takes two florists to create every arrangement. One to put the flowers in and one to tell you when you're done. It's the same way with painting. It's funny how it "came back into balance".
Sharon, yes, one to tell you when it's done! I literally had to take this painting away from myself and tell myself NO MORE! Before I went and ruined it...
OK, time to paint...thanks for visiting, everyone...
Meredith, I love everything you are painting in this challenge; your posts have been so interesting. I especially love your paintings with oil pastels. They had a big place in my art life before I did oils--seeing your wonderful work makes me want to get them out again.
I am frequently one who doesn't know when to quit so I have done the same thing,at least you got a good result-beautiful.
Don't ever throw any like this one away. It is beautiful! I love the cheerful pinks. Love Jen
This painting is very exciting, Meredith! The colors dance. And I enjoyed reading about your process. It helps to know I'm not alone!
Wow! This is gorgeous. Never mind the struggle.
Chuckled about throwing it out.
Such a beautiful painting!
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