Another Moleskine sketch of the Villas Wildlife Area. Began this yesterday too, but abandoned it because I wasn't happy with the distant trees: I had wanted a dark, but kept changing my mind about the colors. Went back to it this a.m. to salvage it, but maybe it was too late! I should have taken more care with the tress, regardless. Anyway, it's interesting to me that I approached this one and yesterday's sketch in the same way, but one is so much more pleasing than the other. Is there something intrinsic in the subject, or something in my reaction?
I agree that yesterday's is better, it's a more dynamic composition, but I struggle with this all the time, too. Why does something work one day and not the next? Perhaps by wanting to repeat a successful approach, we become too focused on the result or try too hard to control the process. My two cents...:)
ReplyDeleteYesterday's composition was better, and I think the unfinished quality adds something ... It's sure better than the overfinished quality of today's! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI have been looking at old photographs of some of my work. Some were taken in process and I wnder why I thought I had to do more on them. In the process of painting I feel I fall in love with some small view. I don't always se the whole and need to get a different perspetive.
ReplyDeleteI read a quote by someone who said it takes two people to paint a watercolor: one to paint it and one to hit him/her with a hammer when it's done ... A good idea--without the hammer.
ReplyDeleteI rarely step back, but keep going automatically; have to stop and think it over more often!
I have the same problem with 'stepping back'. It's amazing when I remember to do it, how much better things turn out. I love your little sketches...I really should do more of that. I think I have one of those little moleskins lurking around here somewhere...
ReplyDeleteHi Tracy. I'm just starting to use my Moleskine, but I'm liking it: when I do something in it I try to not have any expectations and just go with what I'm doing. If it pleases me great; if it doesn't, at least I painted something!
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