inspiration:

For two months, I have been struggling. I have attempted paintings (a sloth and a warbler) and have been so unhappy with “unrecoverable errors” that I have trashed the results. I have wondered if I can no longer paint.

I woke up this morning determined to get over this painting funk. I’m going to paint some sunflowers, fast and loose. (Sunflowers are not endangered, but I feel like my painting practice might be exclamation point) I watched a tutorial and then realized my paper is a different size so I will need to rethink composition. Here’s a tutorial with closer dimensions, but I like the technique less.

Creation:

Session 1 – I thought there would only be one session, but it’s going to take two. I made several discoveries this morning because of my having to paint with the paper on an easel with water where I have it: I can’t do a large wash and drop onto it. Several of her ideas for dropping color in won’t work for me.  Despite watching the video right before I painted, I forgot her advice to make one or two marks and then get out. I painted the petals and center and then – looking at my reference photo – got confused about what was supposed to happen in the background.

Session 2 – I added the leaf behind the blossom and darkened the area between petals to make them stand out.

Insights:

• one disadvantage of watching videos is it invites comparison.
• future strategy and practice should include making one or two marks and getting out.
• I want to look back at paintings I made that I like and make notes about how to move forward.
• Sunflowers turn to follow the sun. They move in the direction of their well-being.