(5x7)
(7x11)
(7x11)
More scenes from Gordon's Pond, and, below, from around Silver Lake, Rehoboth.
(8x8)
The last day of the plein air competition, at Shelby's, I drew a bouquet of blowsy roses, and yesterday, in between baking, setting up for a bbq, and watching the Star Trek marathon on SciFi, I kept dabbing away at it, adding a wash then putting it aside; adding another ... This is not my usual method--which is a kind of mad rush--and I wondered why I was being so circumspect. Not that it's a bad idea for me to be more deliberate, but I was feeling stymied, uncertain.
Then I realized that the reason I've been painting so little and struggling so much is that somewhere along the way lately I have gone back to being too attached to results.
Everyone has goals when they paint, and, from the beginning, one of mine was, and has been, to privilege the process, not the outcome. Putting the paint on the paper, seeing what it will do, that excitement of discovery IS the point, not the painting that results: or at least that's the state of mind I strive for.
Blogging--making paintings to put out there and seeing other people's paintings and processes has been a tremendous help in getting there. And now two of my best friends have been delving into watercolor and their enjoyment and experimentation has made me realize what I am currently lacking.
So it's back to square one, if I can get there!
12 comments:
I can see them now! And they are fabulous! Not a brushstroke in the wrong place and just enough!
And what you say about not focusing on the end result, but on the process, is just what I needed to hear today! Thanks!
I'm going to enjoy the flowers I was painting and "stop making a nice picture".
I couldn't agree with your sentiments more. Sometimes when I start a painting I have a certain idea in mind but I may end up with something totally different. That's what makes it exciting. I particularly like the last painting. Are they gum trees? I love the lively bark with the complimentary color. It really works.
Jean
Laura, so glad you enjoyed Rehoboth and Lewis. I love that area. These are certainly fresh and lovely to look at. I agree with you, we often get caught up in the outcome and forget to really enjoy the process. I enjoy the process too much sometimes and end up with some very overworked paintings!!!!…. but I’m beginning find the balance now. I think once I took drawing on the paper first out of the equation years ago, I found watercolour so much more pleasing. I think we also have to recognize as artists where our strengths are, and hone in on those…. and concentrate on subjects that we have an emotional attachment to.
Did you go to the Art League…. maybe I missed that on your blog…I do miss the Terns on the shore so. I used to love going to Bethany Beach on Sundays in the rain and wind and just soak in the atmosphere. I must dig out some photos from when I lived in Rehoboth (might have been before I became digital…. so will not have the negs anymore)…. and see if some of the scenes inspire mw to do a nice painting for you on my blog.
Wonderful visions of Rehoboth Beach...your cat Smilla is a real beauty too.
These are beyond beautiful Laura.
There's a fine balance I think between the enjoyment of doing, and the delight in results. In watercolour so much depends on what the water and colour and paper do, almost on their own. You are so skilled, that I have never seen a painting that didn't fill me with wonder.
XOBarbara
I love your paintings, they are fresh and clean color. Of these the second one from the top is my favorite. Not one of them looks contrived. Perhaps since you were distractd by doing other things you didn't have the satifaction of process as you usually do.
Beautiful. My personal #1 is #2).
Love the clear quality and simplicity of Trees on Gordon's Pond.
These are just simply beautiful works, Laura!
Go right ahead and "privilege the process"--as long as you keep privileging US with the results!
Interesting post Laura, makes me stop and think..
We all know that saying 'its the journey, not the destination'
and I think it fits right in.. your last few painting seem like your doing just that.. and maybe I should start thinking that way.. My efforts latley have been a struggle .. BTW your comment on my blog about the Library Exhibit was so encouraging.. thanks so much Laura,, Barbra Joan
Wow--your landscapes here are beautiful, Laura! I really love these! I've obviously missed some posts...gotta' get caught up.
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