great, kid. don't get cocky.
I picked up my paintbrushes again last week. My watercolor paintbrushes, I should clarify. I've been using the household paintbrushes to work on some furniture painting (finally!). I missed my watercolors so much while I was preparing for the craft fair. Watching what Dana and Claire had been doing this month was making me even more impatient to get back to them.
It was wonderful to watch the paint do its thing and to hold the tiny brushes, again. I had grand ideas of the beautiful paintings I'd create.
And then reality set in. Not every painting is a success. Not every painting should be. And maybe I had been getting, if not cocky, perhaps a bit over-confident.
It was going so well, until I decided I could scratch out a part where the colors didn't quite work. Which, of course, didn't quite work, either. And things just kept spiraling downhill from there. It happens. Especially when you leave your painting time till the end of the day (next time I'm leaving laundry for last). But really, perhaps "don't get frustrated" is better advice. Just keep going. Keep painting. Some days will be wonderful and some days will be less wonderful. All days help you to get a little bit better. Each time I swirl the paints and water on my palette I learn something more. Each time my brush touches the paper I get closer to being the painter that I want to be.
It was wonderful to watch the paint do its thing and to hold the tiny brushes, again. I had grand ideas of the beautiful paintings I'd create.
And then reality set in. Not every painting is a success. Not every painting should be. And maybe I had been getting, if not cocky, perhaps a bit over-confident.
It was going so well, until I decided I could scratch out a part where the colors didn't quite work. Which, of course, didn't quite work, either. And things just kept spiraling downhill from there. It happens. Especially when you leave your painting time till the end of the day (next time I'm leaving laundry for last). But really, perhaps "don't get frustrated" is better advice. Just keep going. Keep painting. Some days will be wonderful and some days will be less wonderful. All days help you to get a little bit better. Each time I swirl the paints and water on my palette I learn something more. Each time my brush touches the paper I get closer to being the painter that I want to be.
Hello Anne, when I did my watercolour painting classes a couple of years or so ago now, and didn't like my painting, my teacher encouraged me to wash away the whole painting by running it under a tap!!! It seems drastic but that way you can reuse the paper when it is dry. To prevent buckling, the paper can be held down at each edge with masking tape and fixed to a board. Other than that, you can lift out paint by wetting the area with a brush and then soaking up the paint with paper kitchen towel. Sorry if I have told you things you already know! Good luck with your next painting session!!!
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling also! But I paint in acrylics which means I can just paint over what I don't like or even more drastic get the gesso out and start again! So I really admire watercolourists patience and skill. Love the butterfly. S:)
ReplyDeleteI love this post, Anne, because it could apply to any medium. But, hearing your absolute love of painting in your words, leads me to remember what I try to tell myself - process, not product!! You're right - it all leads to being a better artist!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, love what you had done!!!
This are looking gorgeous so far! Love that butterfly. Sunch intricate work for watercolours.
ReplyDeleteWell, to me these look awesome but I totally get what you are saying. I have really been thinking about creativity and how it really is about the process and not the product. Good reminder.
ReplyDelete..mistakes make you stronger!! I'm sure you'll be the artist you want to be, because you're trying so hard, and continue training! I really like the butterfly!!
ReplyDeleteI'm in that same boat - trying to paint again after putting it aside through the holidays (also inspired by Claire and Dana!). Mistakes will be made, lessons will be learned. I read in John Lehrer's "Imagine" that it is only when we are a bit frustrated that alpha brainwaves are initiated to help us connect to our creativity and reach that "Aha" moment of clarity. I'm learning to see my mistakes as a necessary frustration that leads to beauty. Practice really does make perfect:)
ReplyDeleteThank you all for such encouraging comments. I know all artists get discouraged sometimes and no matter what the medium, we'll have successes and failures. We're all our most sever critics, too!
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