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| Conejos Reflections - 12x9" pastel on black cardstock |
The first painting on the trip, from a short (1.5 mi) hike along the main trail. I brought along my folding table and camp stool from Walmart - the second one I've owned - to paint. Unfortunately, as with the first one, one of the legs has torn through the nylon corner, making it uncomfortable to sit on and resulting in a sore back (and groin) for the next 2 days.
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| Rock Study - 6x6" pastel on brown cardstock |
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| Rock slope study - 12x12" pastel on black cardstock |
Another from our campsite, with Sarah, on another day. Unfinished, and an example of how I got sort of sloppy with my composition. I always use a viewfinder, but this one got away from me. It was also a reminder that one needs to take ownership of the view nature presents, and adjust accordingly.
Had I been putting more thought into this, I'd have completely left out the distal mountain (which is the same as in the diptych I posted) and eliminated all but a sliver of the lower slope/road. The focus was intended to be on the rocky slope with the trees on it; the distal mountains add nothing but clutter. I just fell into the "lazy" trap of painting what was in front of me...for shame!
I mention this, and post it, because I think as artists, we tend to have the unspoken expectation that all of our paintings should have successful outcomes (that is: a painting that is fit for selling). Sometimes, however, there is much to be gained from the paintings that don't work. A self-critique of "why didn't this work?" is useful; if we're lucky, the same mistake perhaps won't be repeated again.
I love the abstract quality of the first one. I also think that sometimes what we think doesn't work, works for others. I think the third one is great, beautiful color and painterly quality.
ReplyDeleteI like them very much. The third one will work out well after you tweak it. Glad you posted these!
ReplyDeleteSheri - thank you for your generous comments. I completely agree about how widely perceptions of an artist's work may vary! It's an interesting thing, and I hear lots of artists speak of in their own work (and photography, too).
ReplyDeleteThanks Casey - I'm glad you thought they were worthwhile to post. I may keep the 3rd around for a bit, just to see if I ever get in the mood to finish it.
Love the first one. I'm always taken in by the beautiful reflections/quality of water that you paint. About the 3rd, it is true, this one may well be work for someone else. And with maybe a bit of tweaking you may change your mind.
ReplyDeleteSonya, I always love seeing your paintings and reading about your travels. I've been wiping off a lot of my daily paintings lately, so your post is a timely one for me. Thanks for reminding me that much can be learned through our failures. It definitely helps to make them sting less. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope your back is feeling better now. Looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful work!
amazing talent...fantastic works sonya
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz - the reflections are a fun, but never-ending challenge, to paint.
ReplyDeleteHi Darla - thanks as always for your sweet comments :). I believe that it is quite possible that more is learned during the "wipers" than the successful paintings, but we just don't see it that way. They are without a doubt very frustrating, but the anecdotal evidence I've seen from fellow bloggers, as well as my own experience, shows that the paintings that follow a bunch of "failures" are quite often exceptional. So, worry not, my friend!
Hi Ashok - thanks so much for the visit and comment!