 |
| 'Lupine Memories' 9x12 pastel ©Karen Margulis painting available $145 |
But no. That would be too easy. And besides how could we possibly be done? Isn't painting supposed to be a slow and gut wrenching process? If a painting comes together quickly can't we just accept that it is working and stop? So often we don't stop. We keep plugging away...fixing something which leads to more fixing and more fixing and soon we have lost the freshness. Where did that painterly painting go?
Here is something to try for your next painting.
- Have your phone or camera ready and snap a photo of the underpainting. As the painting evolves take a photo when you are feeling pretty good about the painting. These pictures will be a reminder of what the painting looked like when you liked it.....in case you finish it off!
- Make a sign or note to put on your easel that says 'YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO STOP'
- When you get to a point in your painting where you find yourself not sure what else to do...STOP. Get a drink or a piece of chocolate. Come back to the painting with fresh eyes. Evaluate what the painting needs.
- Allow yourself to make a mark and then step back....all marks at this point should have a purpose....no random, mindless painting. This way you will finish the painting with careful thought and will hopefully come away with a much fresher painting!
painting notes: 9x12 uart with a watercolor underpaintings. I stopped sooner than I usually do because I wanted to allow a lot of the watercolor to do the work.