Can I just tell you that submitting pictures of my paintings makes me nuts? They look so different in photographs than they do in person. The vibrancy isn't the same, neither is the context. I feel like I can see every mistake, everything I would like to change; every section that I find disagreeable is magnified for all the world to see. Yeah, I have a complex, or maybe I don't. ;-)
The other day I submitted my artist statement and pictures of some of my past artwork for the Hartford Open Studio show. I felt like I was at the dentist getting an especially aggressive cleaning. I feel completely obnoxious writing about myself, and it's not always easy to share my paintings. It's something to be grateful for, though, being able to share with other human beings, but boy do I feel a little dorky doing it - oh the conflict.
Even as I was getting my artist statement ready, I realized I wouldn't be able to meet the poetry contest deadline. I need to be able to sit with my paintings for a while. I am disappointed, but maybe next year. It was actually an easy decision to make. I couldn't possibly submit something that was not ready. During this process Greg was especially adept at helping me get more time to work. Also, I was trying my new "work amongst the family" technique which was somewhat helpful. It may sound corny but I did learn a lot and came upon some new ideas I hope to have ready in time for the show. In the meantime here are pictures of some of my paintings.
I painted these oranges on a thank you note.
I painted this for my parents' wedding anniversary. You can see I based it on the Book of Kells which I absolutely love. I couldn't find watercolor paper in the exact antiqued color I wanted, so I 'aged' the bright white paper myself. It had the best time making this.
As I struggle with my own art and creative challenges, I want to ask how do you handle challenges in your work? Does self-critique get in your way? Which affects you more, the critique of others or of your own voice in your head? How do you feel when a project doesn't work out the way you planned? How do you feel about presenting and sharing your work?
I had a great time painting this one too! This is an old Farmall tractor that sits on Greg's parents' farm.
