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This is another scene from around Eugene. I've been really trying, when I paint trees and bushes, to vary the size of the brush strokes. I've mentioned this before, but it really helps to hold my brush at the end when I'm doing foliage, as I just naturally get more random strokes (less control).
I've also been trying to take my failures less personally. My husband always says my mood is as good as my last painting - and it's been true. But since I got back from this last enforced break (aka vacation), I've been trying to focus on the journey rather than the result, and I'm happy to say that so far it's working! Because I've failed quite a bit - stuff I won't show here. And I'm trying to learn from each attempt and just try again, over and over. And just enjoy that process. Because otherwise my expectations are such that when things go poorly, I feel terrible. I mention this because perhaps a few of you can relate? At any rate, things are better for me lately. : )
14 comments:
Your work is so advanced/beautiful/has been so successful that you can't help but have extremely high standards and expectations.
That yellow house from yesterday should be enough to propel you through a week of nirvana though, as it is GLORIOUS!!!
I totally relate, though.
My mood is 'veiled' discontent :D
Carol, gorgeous painting , and wonderful message! Love hearing all this! It sure makes me feel better!
Thank you for sharing!
I can totally relate, Carol.
I always feel disappointed when I do a painting that I feel isn't good enough to sell or even show anyone.
Like you say, I just try to learn from them and treat them as part of the process :)
looking good!
Ha! Thanks for that, I needed to hear it!!!
Husbands are great barometers in this way, and then we pay attention and find that it is true ;) Thank you for your stories as I do and can relate and it's nice to know we are not alone.
It's so hard to let go of that mindset that we *still* want the journey to mean something successful, huh?!
I think you're doing great... :-)
xo
I really like this painting. The light and shadow pattern is wonderful.
I have such admiration for you, Carol. It is helpful to know you have what you call failures, but still keep on plugging away. The journey is what it is all about.
I relate to your words only too well.
Great tips as usual.
But best of all you talk about failures and how we learn. More importantly it's the journey!
Please continue, "baring your soul." We are all human and I have felt the same way at times. It's good to know you have the same frustrations as I have and we are all in the same boat.
Thank you soooo much!
Denise
I appreciate your raw honesty. I can very much relate, since I have just started painting again after 20 years away. I have been finding that painting isn't always about the journey, but often times about lessons in tenacity. You are and have inspired many of us. Thank you for sharing your journey in tenacity.
I think most of us beat ourselves up when we have painted something we're not happy with. When I climb in bed at night I seem to sleep much better when I've painted better. Feels so good when things go right. Good for you for focusing on the journey.
When I attempt to lose some weight and no matter what I eat or not eat, the scale doesn't move - I want to give up. Same with those bad cycles of painting when no matter what I paint, nothing works for me. What I've learned is these frustrating times are inevitable and many paintings that I consider failures have sold right away. I'll never figure that out, only I do know I perceive things differently than others sometimes. Mostly because I had the end results in my head and it didn't come out as planned, but it doesn't mean it's not a success in others' eyes.
I completely understand what you are saying and cracked up laughing at "My mood is a great as my last painting" - so true!!
I think one of the problems of being a daily painter is too much focus on the daily creation, and not enough focus on our (my) love of the process and the quality of said process.
Anyways, just wanted to say I can relate. And it's nice to know that I'm not alone.
Thanks for your honesty! Kim
I just painted a clunker yesterday and it put me in such a bad mood too. I am far far far from being as accomplished as you Carol, still struggling to learn but that tortured turned to mud disaster yesterday just about killed me. ha ha! No chance for me to paint again for awhile, have to work, but I know I should just jump right back in. Thanks for sharing! It really helps me!
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