I know that there are times when each maker of art hits a wall of seeming inability to produce the kind of work s/he feels that they 'should' be doing. Frustration, confidence, motivation all plummet ... and picking up the pencil takes as much effort as lifting Gibralta. I seem to be in that space.
I've been trying too hard, I think, and that OVER-TRYING shows. I look at some my work and find so much of it too stiff, too flawed, overworked, too 'whatever' ... compared to the images (and attempts) I hold in my head. And so, stubbornly, I keep trying ... and trying ... and doggedly determined, I wind up working my poor paper to holes and trash bag to overflowing.
I think I need to step back a bit from my own seriousness, and play a bit with my artwork .. spend a bit of time sloshing around the paint, inking in the lines, letting go of the results so I can return to the more serious work of learning with a freshness and without the self-imposed pressures and stresses I put on myself to reach my goals -- now.
So last night, I decided to play a bit with these weird looking cows I drew Saturday -- and I relaxed enough to add lines and paint as loosely as I could muster after a long day. It's not great art by any means -- I even forgot to paint a tree trunk! But if art reflects our state of mind -- then this is an example of mine ..! lol
12 comments:
Well honestly, Lin, I would never have known you were going through a sticky patch. Your paintings are lovely. I guess you're being very demanding on yourself to hit those goals of yours.
This is a lovely loose painting/sketch. Not easy to do this with animals, and you've done a lovely job. The unpainted tree trunk just gives it depth, I think.
I'm with Carole, I wouldn't have know either but you are right, playing is just as important to the process of learning as seriously painting....
Ah! This is more the "Lin style!" Your recent work has been very good and I've so enjoyed it--but I always like it when you step back to your old style. One thing I noticed is that you've ganed strength in the distance perspectives--it really shows in this one and maybe through the struggles and doubts, if we gain one facet of enlightenment, it is worth it all!!
I`m with Carole and Tami. I think your work is lovely. Especially the cows. I can`t draw or sketch but very much want to. I`m in to photography instead and have been taking alot of photos of cows lately. Not easy! So I can imagine what it must be to draw them. I found your blog while reading your comments on JaneVille and I will definitely return. I would very much like to link you to my blog. Hope thats OK with you!
Goodness Lin, there must be something in the air as I am having one of those days also! We have to stop being so 'together' :)
The funny part is, I like this!
Lovely composition and color. Love the looseness, and the cows are wonderful.
What a surprise to hear you're struggling! You are so productive! I've seen so much growth in your work i the few months I've been on Flickr...try not to be so self-critical...even better, look back at your older work and you'll amaze yourself! Mistress of Longears Jeanette
ps What a surprise to see that I've already commented ! :-) I don't run into a lot of jeanettes in my life.
Well, you did a great job with those cows! This is the style in which I'd like to sketch.
I can so relate! But I love these contented cows, munching their grass. There's a sense of frolic about this one which is really enjoyable.
Good for you. Sometimes our muse is not working -- and why should she work ALL the time!! She's just trying to tell you to take a break and have some fun too and what better way than to have fun painting.
Hugs,
Lorraine
The great thing is that you keep going even if the work you're producing isn't satisfying you (though it certainly looks great to me!).
What a thoughtful post. I wouldn't have guessed you were stuggling right now, either -- you are SO persistent and CONSISTENT that it's hard to imagine you feeling stuck. I think your approach to your "spot" is right on -- this is a delightful sketch / painting / whatever you want to call it. (Sometimes I think calling them paintings is just too much pressure, don't you?)
;-)
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