Saturday, May 7, 2011

"CURBSIDE SERVICE" 10.5" X 15" Pastel

Every year, as most small towns do, we have a festival with a parade, art show, food booths and musical entertainment. Lots of people turn out for all the events, and there are photo ops everywhere. This young woman sat curbside at the parade with her cell phone in hand. I loved the way the sun caught her bright yellow shirt and I couldn't resist doing a painting of her. I especially had fun with the sidewalk colors - a combination of neutral grays with hints of the colors in her clothing.

More time has passed since my last post than I would have liked. I kind of hit a big, tall wall - two painting prospects for which I had hopes ended up wiped off. I kept thinking, "Tomorrow I'm GOING to get it!" Three tomorrows went by and I never "got" it, so I decided it was time to put the caps back on the paint tubes and take a break - which I did. Some retail therapy, some fresh-cut flowers, a couple long walks and a lunch with friends was refreshing and supplied a new energy. I'm hoping that this new week will bring some positive momentum and progress.

6 comments:

  1. Beautifully done Carol.Perfectly painted light and shadows.

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  2. I like the colors in this and the way she is sitting makes a nice composition. I'm glad you mentioned that not everything you do turns out the way you wanted--I'm having a lot of those results lately. It helps me to know that I'm not the only one. In the effort to post more often, I'll post a painting that I'm not happy with. Sometimes the harder I try the worse it gets. I guess when that happens it's better to take a break and try later even if you have to wait a while to post like you did. I can't imagine you doing something that did'nt look good though. Maybe you are being too hard on yourself and if you are trying something new, there is always a learning curve until you "get it."

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  3. Carol-
    I am always amazed at what taking a break can do. Sure gives some perspective doesn't it? Thanks for reminding me to just step away from the canvas:)

    Love the look that you captured on the girl's face.

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  4. Thank you, Yasha. I really enjoy painting the effects of light on colors. To play with a range of values within a single color - in this case yellow - is really an enjoyable experiment.

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  5. Oh Melanie, there are times when I feel that I can't get even the basics. When that happens I try to do a painting of something familiar such as pears. They are my "fall-back" subject because you can do so much with them and they seem to generally be successful in the end. This time I was stubborn and pushed to continue with the same subject and techniques, and it just did not come together at all. It happens. It's a little like when the car won't start - you wait a bit then try again. Often, you get back and running. Thank you, thank you for all your encouragement!

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  6. You're absolutely right, Libby. I tend to forget to do that when things hit a standstill. A different setting or activity is a healthy and helpful mind-clearing solution. I'll work to remember that!!

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