Untitled9 x 12 soft pastels on Art Spectrum Colorfix
by Miki Willa
Plein Air
I am currently doing a review of the work I have done over the past two years. I have kept all the paintings in transparent paper books, just waiting for this moment. My goal is to recycle the ones I really don't like, and my husband and friend agreed, put aside the ones I think I can fix, and catalogue the ones I will include in my sales web page. Since I have photos of them already, I am keeping a record of where they are, size, and price point. The upside of all this is that I can see progress in many of my skills and techniques.
The first paintings from my starting painting most days are pretty dreadful. Before that, I was very slow and methodical, working everything to death. Once I started working daily, or almost, I had to work much faster. This really helped me in the long run by getting me past the notion that I have to include every little detail. Now, I feel the freedom to paint what I feel - to get to the essence. The more recent paintings that I decided to recycle don't do that. It is good to see the steps in the journey in this way. I recommend it.
As I was going through the paintings, I realized that I did not post the one above. This was done in plein air in Maine. It is alla prima. I am not sure I like it very much, but I do remember sitting on the side of a trail overlooking this beautiful bay. The weather was balmy, and there were no mosquitoes. It was just about the only place in Maine where that could be said. I am looking forward to a week of painting on location in Arizona in a few weeks. Hopefully, my outdoor skills will improve.
Some Good News: My husband and I have a small show in a local spa, Third Heart Men's Spa. In July, I may have a one person show in Bremerton, Washington. I will let you know more about that as it gets closer. On the blog front, I have passed the 200 postings mark. I have made it well past the first year, and I feel very good about that.
4 comments:
What does recycle mean? Is it a pile for me to look at some day?
Happy 200 posts and first year of blogging, Miki.
Is that Broken Top on your banner?
Congratulations on the blog, the shows and your nice work.
I often take a pastel and brush the whole thing off, wipe with a towel, brush it with water, turp or alcohol (depending on the surface) and do a completely new painting. Easier to experiment if you have painted there before and you may come up with something great!
Willa - Recycle means I don't want anyone to see them again.
Casey - Thanks for your support. I don't think this is Broken Top. It is a view from a hotel outside of West Glacier.
Jo - Thanks for the great advise on how to recycle. I really need to save money on paper these days.
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