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Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Work in Progress, and a lesson in Chops

This is a work in progress. It doesn't have a name yet. It looks nice already, just the way it is, and yet I feel compelled to finish it. In fact, it's already different from how you see it here. It's 8x10, acrylics on canvas.

It looks nice enough that it feels risky to show this WIP in public, because what if I mess it up? I'm willing to take that risk, however. Such risks are part of my journey as an artist, as per the headline on this blog.

It took me a long time to get this far on this painting because of my chops. I had to reclaim them. I made the mistake of stopping painting for a few weeks, maybe 2, maybe 3, because I was so terribly busy. I'll never make that mistake again, because it's taken me at least a week, maybe more, to get my skills back up to where I'm happy with them.

One thing I learned about reclaiming skills: start back in with something easy and of no consequence. Like a little black and white study. Don't try to resume the painting you left off on. It will only lead to frustration. Just get something to copy and get your hand-eye coordination back into the groove. Do that for several days, however long you need. And then there will come this magic moment when you realize you're not struggling anymore; you're flowing with it. And you're back.


6 comments:

Lee Pierce said...

YAY! Glad you're back...
I like looking at WIPs, so glad you chose to share. It is risky business and I appreciate it.
Checking out all the little goodies you have blocked in. This is like hanging in your studio watching you paint. I'll be quiet. Promise. Lookin' Good!

Pamela Goodwin said...

Like being a bug on the wall ~ heehee :-D

Amanda Makepeace said...

This is a great series of Wips! Thanks for sharing and good to see you painting! You're in the EBSQ Friday Five.

Theresa Taylor Bayer said...

Thanks again Amanda! I appreciate your support!

After a week I fially got my chops back and WIP'd my painting skills back into shape.

Kim Vanlandingham said...

Interesting post! Many of us can relate. Congrats on making the Friday Five at EBSQ's blog.

Anonymous said...

I have felt your pain periodically and can relate...thanks for sharing...(-: