It's been too long since my last post and most of the time in between has been spent trying to paint and failing miserably. Life is such that there is always something going on and from experience I have not let things stand in my way, I have continued to paint through thick and thin. So what has been stopping me now? Possibly energy levels are not what they were and yet from the history of famous artists, for example Renoir, who was so ravaged with arthritis he had his brushes taped to his hand to carry on painting from a wheel chair during the last three decades of his life.
I feel inspired by the courage and strength of such artists and feel that I can paint not just now and then, but daily, with my heart and soul.
This hasn't turned out as good as I wanted, but I painted this one today and its a new beginning , I'm back and I feel hopeful that I can carry on with this incredible art journey with my friends from around the world.
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Trafalgar Square
oil on oil paper |
Sometimes we have those periods when it just doesn't come as naturally. Hang in there. This one is lovely.
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Thank-you so much Helen!!
ReplyDeleteActually it is quite good. Kind of cute. I lived in England for two years, yet I do not remember Trafalgar Square. I just remember it was very busy and full of people.
ReplyDeleteI so understand! Life does get in the way and our own internal struggles do too. Things have improved for me since I stopped trying to make a painting and started calling them practices, lessons or learning experiences. So I now look at today's work and say to myself, What did I learn today? There is always something, a little area no-one else would even notice, but I can see it and know that next time, I'll remember that this or that worked well (or didn't). If I get a 'proper' painting out of it that's a welcome surprise, but I'm getting better at just being pleased I've done something and am one little step further along. I try also to be kinder to myself and give myself a pat on the back for keeping on going on this challenging path! People often say, don't they, oh, you're an artist, that's nice, how relaxing!! Hmmmm.... It CAN be, and I love it, but it's hard work not only doing it but hard work on my own self. And this is a lovely 'exercise' here, Azra! Beautiful range of subtle tonal changes.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I was worried I hadn't said enough haha, no, I just wanted to say that this is how I deal with what's going on for me, at least, when I feel I can't pick up a brush, my biggest hurdle is my super-critical inner voice, but what is it for you?
ReplyDeleteLol, I love your comments, you put so much thought and empathy in them. My biggest hurdle when I can't paint is the latest challenge that seems too hard. The Trafalgar Square painting I set myself was really hard, because the photo was so busy I couldn't get my head around what to leave out and still say what I wanted to say. The difficulty then turns into avoidance, a day turns into a week and so on, until I find a way. I hope this makes sense. 😀
ReplyDeleteI too hope you can find the spirit again, and this is a great beginning. I like how you cut away all fuss and nailed it down to the essentiel, well done.
ReplyDeleteMy first thought before I read the words of your post is "What a lovely painting." I'm not kidding. It is a quiet, beautiful study and I would be proud to display it! I agree with Jane's comment. You nailed the essentials.
ReplyDeleteAlso, when I get "stuck" (we all do) I turn to YouTube and watch someone like Andrew Tischler or Michael James Smith paint. They are informative and entertaining and it revitalizes me.
I think it is a lovely study Azra. Believe me we all have these struggles, you're definitely not alone in this.
ReplyDeleteI like Karen's comment, if I get 'stuck' or the painting just isn't working I look at other artist's work, look at art books, watch a DVD. I just say to myself.........'today didn't go well but tomorrow is another painting day'.
Great to see you painting and posting again Azra! You gave this painting a great sense of depth and it's lovely!
ReplyDeleteLovely to see your version Azra, I have thought so many times to try a city scape and end up with self doubt and inaction. I am so tired and so detached from life that I want to let go of painting as well, but something inside pulls out one more canvas each time.
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