In September I posted on Substack my goal to work on eight paintings in rotation. I’ve been so incredibly busy, I forgot all about that post. So this notice is to share that I have surpassed eight paintings. The number of paintings is now 12, with quite a number having been finished or nearing completion.
Considering this is oil painting, where paints take awhile to dry, this is a huge accomplishment, one that I am proud of. And oils are a forgiving medium, allowing the artist to make mistakes and correct them and – in my case – over and over again. Now I just have to paint the outside edges of the canvases and then, after the paint fully dries, spray the paintings with a protective varnish. The protective glaze will also enhance the vibrancy of the colors.
In a future post, I will show the before- and after-varnish effect on a painting. It’s really spectacular.
The downside of having a greater number of paintings, which is really not a downside at all, is that I’m running out of wall space in my bedroom studio. Yet, I’m grateful, as this is a good problem to have.
Being an artist is a joy and spiritual experience; it fulfills me like nothing else. I will always consider myself fortunate because art is such a major part of my life.
I’ve been watching Bob Ross lately; I find watching his show, The Joy of Painting, relaxing. I recently attended an art webinar, where the presenter was cutting down Bob Ross and Thomas Kinkade as producing “garbage.” This is the kind of toxic, pompous attitude I cannot stand. As I’ve said before, all artists are welcome in our universe. There’s no room for elitism.
OK, now I’m getting off my soapbox and discussing what I’ve been working on this week – the sunflower painting. I’m almost finished. I reworked the background and leaves and will rework the petals after these elements dry. Then I will consider the painting done. I tried to lighten the bottom half of the background to contrast well with the dark leaves. I used green over the white parts of the leaves, lending a unique effect to them, I think.
Next week I will be starting a new female figure for my Breast Cancer, Female and Young art series based on a chalk-pastel drawing of a nude model I sketched in art class years ago. I’m going to translate the drawing on canvas and start the painting process to convey my point about the suffering incurred as a result of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, particularly as it relates to going through this trauma as a young woman. However, I’m sure others will relate to the pain and suffering of this figure.
I’m a little nervous, as I’m promising something that I only hope I can deliver. Fingers crossed.
I love the sunflower! I like the details in the leaves, too. No one can judge another person’s art, really. We do it all the time when we enter contests or apply for shows, but unless an artist asks directly for feedback, it’s all personal preference. Nothing kills an artist’s soul more than having someone tell them their work is garbage. So many art teachers seem to do that to young kids, I hear those stories all the time from other artists.
It’s actually a more efficient way to work by doing a number of paintings at once. I hope you get your dozen without much difficulty. It’s always difficult, but if you enjoy it along the way, it makes it easier.
Hi Beth,
The revised sunflower painting is spectacular, and I thought the first one was really good! It's wonderful that painting with oils allows you to keep revising. I'm amazed by that. And impressed.
Good for you for having 12 paintings in your rotation - surpassing your original goal of eight! I cannot wait to see where the next breast cancer themed painting leads you. I know it'll be powerful. I think being a little nervous is a good thing. And completely normal in the creative process. Good luck with it!