Untitled
Conte pencil on Canson Mi-Teintes pastel paper 16" x 16"
Until I'm more comfortable with my acrylic paintings in terms of process and technique, larger pieces such as one I'm struggling through at present will take several weeks to complete. I accept that producing a good painting demands a significant investment of time, but there's a sense of frustration and urgency which creeps into my thinking when I consider my dismal output of late and the limited number of works I have for sale. I'm sure negative thoughts like these reduce my level of enjoyment and have a detrimental effect on the standard of my work. With that in mind, I plan to begin the working week with a drawing such as the one shown. Of course, my paintings will now take even longer to complete, but at least I'll be adding to my collection of work for sale more frequently.
The reference photograph I used for this drawing was taken earlier in the year during our annual pilgrimage to the Cape Range National Park in Western Australia's north-west. Kangaroo watching is a favourite evening pastime while we're there and I've written about it on my web site here.
I'll spend an hour tomorrow morning refining the foreground grasses, darkening the spaces between the grass stalks, then sign it and breath a sigh of relief.
Thanks for visiting!
Cheers
Pete
6 comments:
Hi Peter, I can see what you mean. Time is always an issue. That's one of the reasons I started doing some oil-sketches lately, to get in the mood of painting, to improve my technique and to increase the body of work. The drawing is looking great already and it has your signature style.
Erik, thanks for visiting. I think your oil sketches are a valuable exercise and I admire you for your disciplined approach!
Peter, You're works makes me salivate at the prospect of travelling to Australia someday. That's a lifetime goal. I work pretty much exclusively in acrylics, and want to do larger works. Unfortunately the big paintings are impossible to sell. It's best to seperate artistic drive from practical realities. Easier said than done. Not having an inventory of paintings has never been my problem. I wish it were.
John, thanks for your comments. If your goal is to travel to Australia, a house-swap sounds like a good idea - I'd love to see Alaska!
Painting for the market is often cited as a bad idea and I agree up to a point, but I do think we have to monitor market trends and allow for depressed economic times by offering smaller works and prints.
Peter;
I struggle with similar discouragement sometimes for similar reasons......I have only been at this for a couple of years, and I've claimed to be the slowest artist in the state of Michigan! I have to constantly remind myself that for me the primary goal at present is not so much marketing or sales, but simply building a cohesive body of work while continuing to learn through each completed piece.......while crystalizing my future goals. Your work is strong, and will speak for itself as your collection and technique grows. Keep pushing yourself, and doing what you are doing.........and I'll do the same!
Lynda
Thanks for your comments Lynda, and welcome to my blog. The work on your web site is fantastic!
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