Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Somtimes I wonder...


Yes, sometimes I wonder if it's worth it to paint this big. Everything that doesn't look quite right is magnified.  But this is where I started this 36 x 36. Don't ask me why I started dark. It's really just experimental at this point thinking that it might give it a folk art look with the dark peeking through around the edges of the shapes.  I started to paint some flowers next to the pot but I chickened out on that.



Below is where I put the pebble stencil with Wood Icing and really wished that I hadn't done that at this point. I also put the crackle paste on the pot. That is always the fun part but I have to wait overnight to see the cracks.

Below I started working on the pebbles. Oh those blasted pebbles! I couldn't get the right color and kept changing it. I thought it might look like it was sitting on pebbles on the ground but it just looked dingy to me. At this point I was getting frustrated and SO wishing I hadn't put those pebbles.
So when all else fails---collage!  And this kinda worked but I still couldn't get the pebbles to look right.
 So (below) this is how I looked at this point.
Or maybe even this...

So then I just lost it and pulled off all of the paper later regretting that I had done that. Ok now I am in the midst of the extreme agony part. So I just painted everything blue. Then I thought maybe I will put the paper back on but much to my dismay---I had no more of it.

But I did have some of this paper that I liked. But when I took the picture and looked at it I thought something seemed wrong.
 Even from the beginning I thought that maybe the pot was too high up and that was the problem.  So I  added more crackle paste and left and went home. At this point I was at the --oh, whatever!!!...stage. But actually I was starting to feel a little better about it because I knew that the pot really did need to come down a bit.
 I will show you the finished one tomorrow...
I still have some hair left. Good thing I have thick hair.  So sometimes, with all the agony, I wonder if it's  really worth it.

11 comments:

Lisa Graham said...

It IS worth it! I love your art work...it's funny, as I watched the progress photos I was really loving the checked paper you added a lot. But the changes after tearing it off are nice too. I paint like you do...paint and play until YOU like the way it looks. I think you are right too...bringing the pot down lower works. Can't wait to see your finished result!

jinxxxygirl said...

Loving the whole crackle pot thing! I do notice though that all your bouquets seem to have the same overall shape....are you doing that on purpose? Is that just a shape you are exploring ? They seem to be a little flat on top and come out to the side. I just wondered if it was on purpose or if you've even noticed that you are doing that.....I have to say your tenacity is impressive and inspiring. I can only hope i have some of that when i start painting. Hugs! deb

Peggy said...

This is great Martha! Thank you for sharing your progress with us. When I get brave enough to try painting on canvas, I will remember your process and be inspired to never give up!

Charmingdesigns said...

what fun to watch the process!!!

bellefrogworks said...

I hope you realize that you are letting us all into your brain!!!! Lots of fun to watch your creative process - we all struggle with our work and I love your honesty. I also love your work!! (ok - enough with the exclamation points already!!!)

Harmony Thiessen said...

You crackle me up!!!! :-) I think you create such great drama around your process...and I love it as I feel it when I work too. I get all hot and sweaty...(or is that hot flashes???) and feel angst and pleasure, only to think, hey maybe, and then to think, WHAT THE HE&&&**???

Thank you for making me smile this am Martha - I am a fan!

Vicki Holdwick said...

Oh, Martha, I love your art and really appreciate it when you share your process with us. It is a really good affirmation for me that I'm not the only one who gets into these restarts. I have to remind myself that even really good artists like you aren't always happy with their results the first time through.

xoxo

Laila said...

Hi, how cool that you used Edvard Munk's paintings to describe your feelings. He was a fellow Norwegian as you probably know.
All your work looks great, and I especially love your flower art.

Unknown said...

The crackle is a nice touch. I like the way you lengthened the vase. Looking forward to the finished piece.

Kay said...

I love your post, Martha. Even though your painting was driving you crazy, your writing made me laugh because we have all been there and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I was wondering how you were going to lower the pot - you can't exactly cut off the bottom of the canvas like I have done with watercolor paper to make something look better. You made a good decision. Thanks for sharing your process with us.

teri said...

I, too, enjoyed a peak into the brain of someone else as they start and restart. And also - I often notice things I don't like when I photograph my art, and then go back to fix it.

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