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...When It Is Finished? This is probably the most common question artists get from both learners and viewers...and a question that is always in the back of the artist's mind as well. I have six paintings in the works as I write this, almost all are in the final stages, and I am asking myself with each one: are you finished? what else do you need? will other people see you the way I see you? I find myself more and more painting until I get that sweet feeling of "enough". While most artists want to paint with expertise and mastery, that is rarely the "Why" or reason that they are painting that particular subject. I'm learning to ask myself why I want to paint a scene or thing; what is it that catches my eye and heart? and what I am trying to communicate through painting it? I'm a sucker for delightful, serene, charmingly simple settings, as you may have noticed. Life can be hard, heavy, heart-weary and these moments I paint remind me (and, I hope, you) it is also wonderful, beautiful, magical and filled with goodness.
I am much happier with the studio works, but it was the plein air studies that helped me retain the immediacy of the scenes. I also became more aware of my tendency to interpret shadows much darker and higher in chroma than I personally prefer.
What do you think? Your comments are always so interesting to me and I appreciate the time you take to make them. Thanks you, as always, for reading my blog!!
4 Comments
Brigitte
9/16/2019 04:36:11 pm
Love this, Wendy! Very fun to read & see. It’s hard to know when finished - it is a feeling we artists get! I often try to make myself quit before I think I’m quite finished so I won’t lose the freshness I had early on (‘try’ being the operative word, ha!) These both look great - awesome job! I love the tablecloth and turquoise cup on the studio version- you nailed the light on that perfectly!
Betty
9/16/2019 05:11:20 pm
I always stick a toothpick in it to see if it's done. Oh, wait, that's for my cakes. Well, you could always try it on your lovely, lovely paintings! Well done, Wendy, well done! Oh...I guess that means they really are done! I'm so clever.
Gay
9/17/2019 06:48:36 pm
Your paintings do give me joy and remind me of the beauty in life. You have an amazing eye for details in your paintings. This past week I had a photographer in our home and she praised your barn painting and was surprised it was painted not a photo.....which speaks to your talent. Also got to say I love Betty's comment.
Lynne
9/21/2019 08:58:57 am
When I saw this I decided to go out and walk up that path. Looking at the studio work I immersed myself into that happy time in June when you were here creating the plein air. The studio work has varying shades of green thus identifying the different foliage. the path below in the studio work comes to life from previous grey to a sunlit warmth of color. The pretty pink flowers are gone now as well as the foxgloves. The painting of Cathleen's lovely yard was a beauty. I smiled and imagined when I was there with you in June. Both paintings such a pretty reminder of June and a happy time. Leave a Reply. |
Hello! My name is Wendy and I am passionate about oil painting! Whether in the studio or out in Mother Nature, I get lost in the experience of capturing on canvas the moment and the feel of what I am painting. I pour my love and energy into every single piece of artwork and I hope it shows! This blog is a place where I can use words to talk about art, painting, life, faith, things that make me laugh, and things that inspire. I love every response, so don't be shy about leaving a comment...Archives
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