A day of starts
Posted: January 6, 2016 Filed under: Uncategorized 35 CommentsMy references to the Charles Hawthorne book may get tedious, I warn you, but there is much to learn. Here is one that is relevant to my day. “Do studies, not pictures. Be alive. Stop when your interest is lost. Put off finish as it takes a lifetime — wait until later to try to finish things —make a lot of starts.” That was me today — a lot of starts. Four to be precise. Two in my car, on location (both disasters) and two in my studio, of this same scene at MacDonald Farm. Fortunately I had the time to keep at it today, which doesn’t happen that often. Painted on Arches paper, 15″ x 7″.
Thank you for these words Shari as they ring true to me. Such wisdom from this author! Your painting is wonderful because it is due from perseverance and love of the medium. As John Sebastian Bach would say, you are being industrious -)))
Thanks for writing Jane. I’ve been meaning to write to you too because I sensed from reading your blog that you were going through some difficult times with your own work. But now I see that watching Charles Reid has been good for you too and the joy is coming back in your work. Watching him paint is amazing, isn’t it?
Yes he is Shari — he takes his time and explains in detail and I guess that was what I needed. I was in a creative slump I guess and I did not really know where to go from here and where I was going.. still don’t know where I am going with all of this. I still need to figure out painting outings versus studio time but at least I have a new venue which feels good -)
That is exactly right isn’t it. Having the goal of competing a masterpiece each time stifles creativity. It’s the process rather than the arrival that’s the thing. Thanks for this encouragement.
It is the process that is so important. I learned that from Tom Hoffmann as well. I watched him start and restart paintings and each one was just a practice. A valuable lesson.
This is beautiful. And thanks for admitting to disasters. Very encouraging to see what came after.
And there are many more that I don’t talk about Jayne. In case that is any consolation.
Thank you for talking about your process, it is so encouraging. And thanks also for the book reference, I have ordered it! Your painting is wonderful, I really like how you have captured the light and shadows.
Thanks Mary Catharine. I hope you like the book too.
Hi Shari – first off I’m so glad you had the time to stay with it because this painting is truly lovely. Secondly, I truly appreciate your quote from Charles Hawthorne – I’m going to type it up and post it because it feels like Hawthorne supports and reinforces what I already know deep in my heart to be true. Thank you so much! I feel encouraged.
Thanks Mary. So glad to hear that the Hawthorne quote is useful for you too. I’m thinking of writing it on the inside of each new sketchbook that I start.
Are you referring to the book ” Hawthorne on Painting”. I haven’t been keeping up lately…..
Sent from my iPad
Julie
>
That’s it Julie. I talked about it in the previous post. I guess I should have provided a link here too. Sorry about that!
Encourages me to know that you have bad starts too. This is just gorgeous?
I think everyone has bad starts Dee. No one hits every painting out of the ballpark, I don’t think. Thanks so much for writing.
Where do I start? I love everything about this painting! Thank you, Shari.
Thanks so much Linda.
Simply beautiful. Its like I’m there.
You are amazing.
Hi Tim. I’m glad you feel like that. That makes me happy…
I appreciate your selected quote from Hawthorne, because I used to think I had to “finish” every start, even when I didn’t like it. (Also I like your painting !)
>
Thanks so much Jean! I think these are wise words from Hawthorne. Worth remembering, for sure.
So good I can’t stop looking at it … and due reward for your perseverance as well as your artistic skills. But how many starts would you make before you decide something’s the wrong subject or that you’re just having a bad day? Or do you just hang on in there regardless?
Good question Tony. It really varies. Sometimes I paint a dud and it goes in the garbage and that’s it for the day. Mostly because I have no more time. But school hasn’t started yet and I really wanted to get some painting done during my holidays so I kept at it. One problem I sometimes have is making the transition from line (pen sketches) to shape (paintings). I think that was part of the problem with this. Also, I was trying to do something in my car (work on a 1/4 sheet of watercolour paper) which should have been tackled in studio instead. That was was the second issue. The third issue was that I started with a somewhat dirty palette, so my colours were muddy from the get go. I’ve had these problems before — you’d think I would learn but I don’t, sadly. Always the optimist…
Thank you Shari, good reminder! Feels good to hear that.
Glad it was helpful Louise.
Sounds like dues were paid! But paid off – this is beautiful. All about the evocative blue shadows. Gorgeous.
Thanks for writing Jane!
This is such a serene and tranquil painting. My eyes are drawn into this peaceful study. I appreciate the Hawthorne quote.
That is a good description of the scene Janet. A very tranquil spot, which is why it appeals to me and I return again and again.
Sometimes things just don’t work. This does!!! Love the shadows on the snow…and the variety of shades of shadows.
Thanks Joan.
Wow, some inspirational words and a beautiful painting here. So glad you stuck it out. And like the others, I’m so encouraged to know that sometimes even someone like you has to scrap something and try again. This one is so evocative and transportive for me. Really glad you shared it, Shari. Thank you.
As always, thanks for writing Laura.
Hey thanks for painting and teaching!
WOW you now have a huge fan of your work! Simply put absolutely stunning! I aspire to one day have half your skills! I only been painting 5 years no formal art education and mostly in soft pastel. I started in watercolor but soon learned the learning curve is quite steep! The amount of information the technical and mechanical side of the characteristics of paper and pigment are mind boggling not to mention color theory and on and on i painted a few passable paintings though small. But it made sense to me to try first in pastels. Its more forgiving and immediate,little color mixing and i have strong drawing skills. But wow when i look at your landscapes they excite and inspire me quite a bit! Its like wow when i picture a really great watercolor painting i picture it looking like that style so awesome! Is my nose brown…hahahaha.