Friday, September 23, 2011

Embracing The Imperfect

As some of you may know by now I have a bit of a perfectionist streak in me. And it can affect my ability to create sometimes. I have often wanted to let go and be messy and like the results. Well, recently I signed up for a class with Katie Kendrick called "Layered Impressions" and am really enjoying it. Its great, Katie is great, and she is sharing really cool techniques. If you have the chance to take a class with her you will not be disappointed!

One of the first exercises I completed were the 2 pieces I am sharing today. Katie had us sketch a face with our non-dominant hand and then paint away. I have to say I was anxious at the get go because I knew it would be imperfect. And the first one I did is the girl above which I did not like but have since grown to love.

By the time I got to creating this girl below I really loosened up and enjoyed the process. I can see the difference showing up in her face. I hesitated at using such bold colors but just decided to go with it.

Excited to see what Katie has in up her sleeve for us next!
I am sharing these girls over at Paint Party Friday. Be sure to head over there and see what great work is being shared this week! Click HERE!
xo
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22 comments:

  1. NettySeptember 23, 2011 at 5:21 AM

    Happy PPF, thank you for showing this wonderful experiment, I love the look you have created. Annette x

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  2. CinLynn BoutiqueSeptember 23, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    Wow! These are really good! Makes me want to try it. I haven't done much drawing or painting in recent years since I'm more into jewelry these days, but this definitely has me thinking!

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  3. Virtual BoySeptember 23, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    Absolutely beautiful work!
    I especially love the colors of the last one~
    It's good to let oneself go of perfection, it's hard... but once one does, one realizes that it's so much stronger and expressive when it isn't "perfect"!
    Allthough drawing with my non-dominant hand always leaves me struggling... XD

    // - T.W -

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  4. carol l mckennaSeptember 23, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    Great work and exploring and creating and ridding self of that 'perfection monster'! ~ who needs it! ~thanks, hugs and namaste, Carol (Share the Creative Journey) Happy PPF

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  5. Joni NickrentSeptember 23, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    Awesome exploration...I think you are definitely getting into the groove and letting go! POP ART MINIS

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  6. katieSeptember 23, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    Thanks for sharing your experience about the class and your recommendation - I'm so happy you're part of it!
    katie

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  7. ruthSeptember 23, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    They are both great! I am a perfectionist in the most extreme sense and I have spent months trying to allow my work become a bit more messy. It is a process, to be sure!

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  8. carlareySeptember 23, 2011 at 11:42 AM

    Love your imperfect paintings! Sometimes letting go is the hardest skill to master.

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  9. GlorV1September 23, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    I think it's great Cathie. Love the look. Hope you are doing good. Take care.

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  10. JulieSeptember 23, 2011 at 1:38 PM

    wonderful creations!

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  11. Mary C. NasserSeptember 23, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    Can't believe these were with your non-dominant hand...they are amazing! I really like both of them but am actually drawn to the first, pink one.

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  12. AnnabelleSeptember 23, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    I don't think I could draw and paint this good with my left hand.I really see a difference in the flow with the second one you created, seems to have less tension in and more expression in her facial features.
    Hope you are doing better this week ; )

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  13. Robin Panzer ArtSeptember 23, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    Wonderful, the colors are ethereal what a fabulous art exploration! Happy Paint Party Friday!

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  14. Kristin DudishSeptember 23, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Wonderful!!!

    Drawing with my non-dominant hand is one of my most favorite things to do for that very reason - I let go of my expectations and forget about "perfection"!

    I can't wait to see more...

    xo
    Kristin

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  15. GeckostoneSeptember 24, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    Wow, these are both great! The second one really calls to me though, she is so sad and beautiful! Deb

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  16. AbelaSeptember 24, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Tears contrast both with the butterflies ....Saludos

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  17. UnknownSeptember 24, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    These are both wonderful- I really like how you shared the difference between the two- the first being a little tight and second much looser- wonderful! I hope you share more next week!
    Happy PPF (a day late ;))
    Stephanie

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  18. Terri SmithSeptember 24, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    Wow Cathy ~ So Happy To See You're Enjoying This Great Workshop! I Linked Over To Check It Out..Very Cool Artist! I Was Excited To See Your Newest Creation! Your Colors Really Popped! Been Thinkin' Of You Sweet Lady. Sending You Much Love & Warm Georgia Sunshine, Terri

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  19. Hybrid JSeptember 25, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    Something about dripping paint from girl portrait is always appealing to me! Nice work!

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  20. MelisaSeptember 26, 2011 at 5:48 AM

    That does sound like a fun class. I think I like your first girl the best. There is just something in her that is very appealing.

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  21. Daniele ValoisSeptember 27, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    I am so attracted to these faces. I absolutely love everything about them. Did you also paint with non dominant hand, or just the sketch?

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  22. Karen IsaacsonSeptember 28, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    thanks for sharing your "imperfections" - the class sounds great. I'm adding it to my loooong list of classes I want to take.

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