Well, I had a very relaxing few days in Chincoteague--what a beautiful place; my photos don't do it justice. Peter was working, so every day I'd just set out on my own, exploring the town (and shopping!) and going to Assateague to walk the trails and the beach by myself. The solitude was wonderful, refreshing.
But, I regret to report, I only attempted one little painting, of the view from the hotel deck, and it was awful! Yes, I know, I'm too hard on myself, my friends will protest, but it really was dreadful: tentative, weak. I left it behind in the hotel.
I've tried two little paintings since I've been home, with equally disastrous results. I'm anxious, trying too hard. Since falling off my nearly daily painting schedule I've lost some confidence--everything I attempt seems hamfisted to me.
Like my mother trying to walk again on her shattered ankle, it seems it's going to take a little rehabilitation to get back to where I left off.
One of the advantages oil painters have over us is that when they paint something dreadful, they can paint another one over it... and another, if that turns out to be dreadful as well. I always keep my awful stuff, if there are any good bits, or nice clean colours or blending effects (as I'm sure yours have) that might be just what I need for a collage some day.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine you hamfisted with watercolours Laura, but I well know the anxiety of wondering whether the flow will ever return... it will, be patient with yourself!
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel, Laura, but am sure you are too hard on yourself. Go back in another year and see if that painting hasn't been rescued and is matted and framed on the wall of the inn! ha ha
ReplyDeleteWell, at least you got some beautiful photos, and perhaps you can turn them into paintings someday. If nothing else, it's good to see you blogging again!
ReplyDeleteOh, Laura, I can SOOOO relate to your sentiments here. I can't imagine you hamfisted either, though. Your photos are beautiful--I feel as if I've traveled somewhere serene and lovely. Thanks for taking me along. And hope your mom is recuperating!
ReplyDeleteAh my dear, some how I find this hard to believe. Can't wait to see your latest!
ReplyDeleteHi Laura,
ReplyDeleteBoy do I know what you mean. I didn't paint for a couple of days, then did such a bad painting that I can't ever show it to you, or anyone else. But you've never done a painting I didn't think was wonderful, so please start sharing again.
Take care,
Barbara
I share your feelings exactly, I worked on a few other than painting things, and when I painted (just yesterday) I felt like such a beginner.. thats only after about 2 weeks. But I don't think you can do a bad one... your color on paper alone is worth framing.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, been there. Sometimes you just can't please yourself. On a brighter note, these photos are wonderful. Love the humor of the duck and the signed prohibiting feeding ducks.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura, the blog world isn't the same without you. Hope all is well.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures make me long to visit the east coast again. I'm sure you will come up with some great paintings from your trip. Can't wait to see them.
ReplyDeleteJean
as an artist who works in both mediums I can say that I am stymied by each of them at different times.
ReplyDeleteI think all artists are hard on themselves. It seems to be a common theme.
I like your work very much. Hamfisted, you aren't ;)
I'll look forward to seeing your paintings again... I know what it feels like to be off the zone for a while. But it is a cycle and comes round again.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely pictures of Chincoteague! I loved going there when I still lived in DC.
ReplyDeleteI empathize with your difficulty of going back to painting with confidence. One of the reasons I stick with my daily blog is my fear of stopping to work with my photos, mostly because I am afraid I won't "find the time" anymore once I interrupt my daily routine.
Best wishes for a confident return to your painting routine!
(I came over here from Sue's "Brush With Color")
Laura, it's been a long time since you posted and I've been missing your paintings and chat. Hope all is well and that you are just busy with many commissions or projects. Take care...don't leave us as I would definitely miss your art work - it is a joy to see your use of watercolor and how you keep it fresh and fluid.
ReplyDelete