One thing I constantly struggle with as an artist is "loosening up." My paintings, whether oil or pastel, for the most part seem to have more detail in them than is needed or wanted by me. I don't start out that way. As each painting begins I try to prepare myself to be "loose." I block in with large shapes. But after this step I seem to retreat into the need for more preciseness. I have studied the work of artists whom I feel have that loose quality I like - Jennifer McChristian - for one, and I've watched videos or DVDs of art demos where the artists have this free quality, and I just can't pinpoint (at this time) the "trick" or method to it all. I've used larger brushes and tried to use fewer strokes to say what I want to say, but it just hasn't come yet on a consistent basis.
This painting, "The Chorus Line," I feel is the closest to this quality that I've ever been. Thin background paint, loose edges, and thick and thin paint areas - maybe if I can persevere in this direction - just maybe - I can come closer to the painting style I'd like to master.
Isn't this always the way? Your painting is lovely but I hear what you are saying about trying for something different. Lately, I have been trying to accept my own style rather than argue about it with myself. I see this criticism as an obstacle and hope that by accepting what it is that I do know how to do, I can move on to what I really want. I hope this helps a little bit:) Keep going!
ReplyDeleteVery well said, Libby. It IS like a push/pull thing going on inside - this trying to leave the approach that you currently use (tight and detailed) and become intuitively adept in a newer style (loose and less detailed.) But I am going to try to follow what you suggest. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteCarol, this is beautiful. I see that you have a lot of work in pastel. All of it is wonderful. I have a long way to go. I am still experimenting with almost all mediums. Some I like to my surprise. I make assumptions before I even try something. I feel it will take me some time before I find my voice or style, because I am all over the place.
ReplyDeleteIt does take awhile, Bev, as I've been told. I think we're all just so curious and anxious to find "our painting selves." I know what you mean when you say "all over the place." I've heard arguments on both sides as to whether to stick with a subject (theme, series) for awhile and gain some mastery, or to paint all that interests you. There are advantages to both, I think.
ReplyDeleteCarol I loved your work.I am amazed to see your work in pastels.This work too is wonderful.I see you have achieved great looseness in this particular work.My story is very much like yours.I struggle with details no matter how much I try to avoid them.:)
ReplyDeleteYasha, thank you for writing. I appreciate you letting me know that at times you also struggle with trying to be not overly detailed. That's one reason I love blogging...to find that others have similar goals and challenges they're working on. :)
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