For me it's really important to "live" with a painting for awhile before I feel I'm done. "For You!" from the previous post sat on a shelf where it was visible while reading, computer work, etc. I gradually came to the conclusion that the REAL emphasis or center of attention was the bow on the package. The other added volume to the painting, but I don't think it necessarily contributed to the whole. Therefore, I cropped it down to fit in this 6" X 8" frame. It's not the best photo, I'm afraid, because of the glass, but you can see my reasoning for the change. This decision-making is tough!
That's really a great point, Carol, and one I bet we don't focus on enough. (No pun intended!) The cropping really worked. Good for you for being able to give up a portion of the work-I bet that wasn't easy. And a beautiful frame too:)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, Libby. I thought long and hard about it before I committed. I'm happy with the decision.
DeletePerfectly finished, Carol. I love the cropped version...it looks so nice framed.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hilda. I'm delighted that you like it!
DeleteHi Carol! I think you made the right decision to crop it—it has so much more presence and an abstract quality the full on
ReplyDeletesubject didn't have. I also have to place a "finished" painting somewhere where I'll come upon it, unawares, to surprise myself in reaction to it. I've been wrong so often when I thought something was done or good. Sometimes you just don't know until you distance yourself from it. Thanks so much for your comment and the films you mentioned on my blog. I will check them out. Whole new worlds are out there that captivate and spark ideas!
Thanks so much, Lorraine. You're correct when you say one must distance themselves a bit to decide if a painting really is finished or if it needs something more (or less, as in this case.)
DeleteIt's gorgeous and has a great impact , and I think you were very courageous in just cropping it . Right decision though :-))
ReplyDeleteJane, I appreciate your input so much!! I'm much happier with it now.
DeleteMaking that crop first cut must have given you goosebumps, It is lovely and the fact you decided to feature the bow I am sure was made easier by the fact you weren't real happy with the background..... what courage, and now..........you have it all wrapped up.
ReplyDeleteI think you're probably right, Jean, about the reasoning. I'm happy with the decision. Cropping has saved many a painting!! Thanks for commenting.
DeleteHi Carol.
ReplyDeleteI like both -this one as a bow painting and the other as a gift painting. It is the colors and the way you painted it which holds my interest. Zooming in with the cropping emphasizes how well you painted the beautiful bow. Glad you found a solution you liked.
That's very kind of you to say, Julie. It certainly was the color and texture that was the most fun as it is in most of my paintings. I just love "playing" with both of those areas!
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