This morning I awoke at 5 am thinking about getting the usual morning activities out of the way early so I could paint. Yesterday, the morning flowers had closed up while I was sketching them, so I also sketched a street corner while a neighborhood child painted from her imagination. I used a little license because I do not yet know how to conjure that bright pink from my paintbox.
My art is taking a new direction, internally, although I suppose it hasn’t changed much on the outside as my skills need time to catch up. I am getting many new ideas from other artists and I am noticing related details as I sketch and paint. While trying to guide the paint, I recalled Andrew Wyeth saying in a book I’m reading “Watercolor shouldn’t behave. It simply shouldn’t.” (33 Two Worlds of Andrew Wyeth) So this had me thinking about the simultaneous process of creating and discovering something through the painting. I am enjoying the process of making marks on the paper, also enjoying emerging skills, and emotionally responding to what I am studying while I paint. I have that slightly hungry feeling that some element is missing and as soon as I figure out what it is then I will suddenly put it in all of my paintings after that.
Painting every day does not always produce a masterpiece, but I think it is necessary to develop mastery. When I do not paint every day, I do not see as many comely things to paint, part of my vision dries up too.
your paintings evoke emotions, a rare gift!
I am glad that you responded to that as well. When I feel something strongly from a painting, even a small daily, I wonder if others do too.
Thank you for letting me know. š
Your painting is like a bright, beautiful summer morning. Simple, beautiful.
Their cheery pinks really brighten up the edge of my front steps. They are closed up now, with a dark pink star at the end of each flower stalk.
I think that’s a lovely painting. Guaranteed to light up a room.
Thanks š
I agree with your comment, daily dogged dicipline – just what we need to keep developing artistically. Like your pictures. Tony
My dog, who loves following me on neighborhood easel walks, was about to fall asleep at my feet when I read your post. Dogged, nah, living the dog’s life. š
How wise you are to say that painting every day is necessary to develop mastery. An attitude that we can apply to many aspects of our life.
Recently I was excited enough about the many ways I could paint a subject that I began experimenting by painting it over and over, in different ways. They are not all masterpieces, but it is teaching me something new every day.
This is so beautiful , Lucy! Love colors so much ā¤š
Our steps and house are basically white, so I get a splash of color on my doorstep every morning and evening from these flowers. ā¤ š