I have been procrastinating finishing this painting because I was "stuck" It wasn't coming together in a way I was happy with but I couldn't figure out how to make it work. Things got so bad, I started cleaning house. My husband asked if we were expecting company. As it turned out, our grandson was on his way which was extra motivation to clean. I took the painting to my critique group this morning and their expert eyes gave me the information I needed. This was the extra motivation to paint! I was able to come home and finish it up. It feels good to be able to move on to the next one.
I hope all of you have a critique group to attend. I love seeing what others are doing and learn so much from everyone's comments about each painting that is presented. I also find it extremely helpful to hear what others see in my paintings. Because I know the intent behind each of my paintings, I don't always see what they see. I think I get eye fatigue, as well, where I don't notice every detail after looking at something for an extended period. I get by with a little help from my friends and I cherish them.
14 comments:
Myrna, I love this finished piece. The colors are just magical and you've captured the life in these ladies. I think it is beautiful. I had to laugh about your cleaning and your husband's thoughts on the same. I do wish I had some nearby artist friends. I think it would also help to keep me motivated. I mean I AM motivated on my own, but the energy isn't always there.
What a lovely and intriqueing painting. It just makes you linger in front of it - wondering what are they thinking about? Is it the past or the fututre, there are so many stories. I love paintings that tell a story.
I like the results!!! 'Eye fatigue' is a nice way of saying I have had too much togetherness with my work in progress. I have a new expression to use now :)- thank you!
Wonderful result, Myrna. The hands are just eloquent, and I ache for the arthritic joints you've so sensitively rendered. Your suggestion for a critique group is a good one. Our Fiberarts guild regularly has critique sessions, and it really has been useful. I am also regularly pressing my informal portrait group and watercolor class for their critique, too!
This is just wonderful! So glad you got past your little stuck-ness on this one. Love the colors and clicked to enlarge it (you always get an extra treat of texture with your work).
Another excellent finish, Myrna! It's so intriguing. I want to know what they are thinking and saying. Such beautiful faces.
Magnificent painting!! So interesting - great composition. Not often I see three close-up portraits in one!!
Beautiful
work
thank you for sharing:)
I had to laugh at this post! It seems like the only time I really clean house is when we are expecting company :) I try to plan that at least once a month, just to keep things maintained, LOL! I love how this turned out, and yes! Critique groups can be a lifesaver! I get a lot of motivation from mine too.
Thank you all for sharing your comments. I don't always acknowledge them but I appreciate every thought and the effort behind them.
This painting is a great example of content and story telling in a painting, Myrna! The hands say so much as do the distant gazes. You just keep getting better and better!
Hugs!!
I like this. I am wondering what was the answer you saw in the eyes of your critique group? I am lucky to have local artist friends and a group, but, I also love getting feedback from my artist blog friends. No matter what time of day or night you post, someone, somewhere will have an answer for me!
Thanks, Mike! You are at the top of the "friends" list.
Hi Liana, The critique group saw the intensity of the blue dress drawing attention and out of harmony. Somehow I missed that. When I knocked it down and adjusted other areas with value and intensity changes, the painting came together.
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