"Letting Go Of Perfect" is the title of a technique article I wrote in the current issue of Somerset Studio Magazine (super exciting to be published again! ) And I felt it was also the right way to start off this post.
For those of you who are long time followers of my blog you probably know about my perfectionist ways and longing to paint a perfect face. Well, lately since the hurricane actually my art has shifted especially with the faces I am creating. I was slowly becoming more messy with my backgrounds and recently have welcomed creating imperfect, messy faces like this latest journal page I am sharing today. I really love her. I feel connected to her.
I am never going to be an artist that can paint realism certainly not when it comes to portraits. But what I did realize is that I want to create art that makes people feel. I want to evoke emotion through my work. And I don't think I need to paint a realistic face to do that. This has opened up a whole new world for me and a new road to take with my painting. Not sure where it will take me but so far I am enjoying it.
Sharing over at Paint Party Friday.
Artist Seth Apter is hosting a charity auction over at his blog that will benefit those affected by Hurricane Sandy. As a NY'er I am grateful that we made it through the storm unscathed unlike so many others who are homeless and suffering right now in this area. You can find out more about the auction HERE.
xo
Cathy we write on a similar subject today. I had got myself into too much of a perfectionist attitude that I forgot to enjoy the process.
ReplyDeleteYou are right about this face. It has so much more power because you were free to put in the energy it needed. It's fab!
WOW! This is perfectly imperfect in every way. Happy PPF!
ReplyDeleteI love this! You have succeeded in evoking emotion here, for sure. Happy PPF
ReplyDeleteI like this style. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteFantastic portrait! I love all the feeling it conveys! Happy PPF!
ReplyDeletewow so much expression in this wonderful face. Happy PPF, Annette x
ReplyDeleteA beautiful portrait full of emotion. It seems there are a few of us that are finding our way to middle ground where we let go of perfect and embrace our emerging imperfect style. Wonderful. Happy PPF
ReplyDeleteAhh...letting go of perfection...what a lovely painting and life philosophy!
ReplyDelete♥♥♥
Happy PPF, Cathy!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
I do love the tactile nature of the way oyu lay that paint down... it makes me want to touch it... love that...xx
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a very liberated piece! Cool stuff
ReplyDeleteOMG, LOVE this! Great post!
ReplyDeleteI don't really paint, but when I was younger and had more time I used to make comics. Storyboards with my schoolmates as subjects. I soon came to realize that the more perfect I tried to be, the less satisfied I was with the work.
ReplyDeleteThen I started to let myself go and simply "live" the scenes, going with the flow of the feelings. The face of my classmates became sketches, but they started representing them so realistically by means of one or two details of their physical personality (a lower lip sticking out, or a slightly arched eyebrow) that they dropped their jaw every time I drew a new one.
Go for it. Go for the feeling. Feelings are never a straight line, are they.
Very strong and evocative! It looks like a self portrait... is it?
ReplyDeleteShe does evoke the sadness brought on by sandy ... I did my donating through Seth's blog!! HPPF !
ReplyDeletePs there's no such thing as perfect!
Congrats on being published again! I think the new direction your art is taking is great.
ReplyDeleteVery dramatic painting...almost despairing I think.
ReplyDeleteVery expressive line and brushstrokes.
Happy PPF!
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