Saturday, July 21, 2012

red abstract and the missing piece

Good morning world.


Last night, I attempted to paint in warm colors.

I tend to stick with the cooler colors (blue, green, etc)
but last night, i felt like red for some reason.


Of course you just know i'm gonna sneak
some blue in there somewhere...


I wonder sometimes if it's a good idea to take photos
during the process,
since i often end up liking an earlier step
more than the finished piece.
(i like the simplicity of this step)


This is the painting, flipped.

I liked it better this way last night.
This morning, i'm not so sure. 

But hey, it's a painting, not brain surgery
so i try not to question the process much.


Then i added this crap...
and no longer liked it at all.
 :-(

Again - it's a painting.
No room for regret here.


Isn't this every artist's dilemma?

Not knowing when to stop
and call it done?


Oh well. 
Today is a new day.

My heart was saddened yesterday
by the tragedy in the Aurora Cineplex.
This no doubt affects how or what we paint.

On another note,
i bought myself this book yesterday at the 2nd hand shop.


This is my addiction.
Books.
I admit it.
:-)

It's a cute little story about a "missing piece"
who goes out searching for where he fits in the world
so that he can roll around like the others.

He then discovers (thanks to the BIG O)
that rather than try to combine his shape with someone else's,
if he tries to roll on his own,
eventually, his corners will soften
and he will also be able to roll!

It was probably written as a lesson
in independence or courage,
but in a way,
it made me sad that he was conforming
or changing who he really was - a triangle -
for the sake of being like the other circles.

I wanted him to remain a little triangle
and be proud of his little corners,
rather than conform
and become a circle, like everyone else.

I know,
i probably need therapy.
;-)

I'll be catching up on your blogs this weekend.
Yay!

So looking forward to seeing what you've all created
during the past week or so.

Thank you all for the thoughtful comments.
It's good to be back.
xox

17 comments:

  1. I love the intensity of these colours - especially the vibrant, fire-hot reds. Beautiful! It says to me, 'keep the fire burning inside you, creativity-wise,' words of wisdom I need for myself every now and again. I've only just 'found' your blog recently, and I'm loving it and feeling very inspired by your paintings as well as your posts.

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  2. It's funny but I sort of liked all thenstages.mmah well that goes with the territory too I guess lol

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  3. Your whole post made me smile :). Well, except of course about the tragic shooting. I'm a non-conforming triangle, and I don't think you need therapy. Just saying... lol
    Stay inspired!

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  4. Maybe I need therapy as well because I feel the same way as you about the poor little triangle and his corners. It is a beautiful piece, just the way it is. That doesn't mean though that you can't just paint over your lovely embellishments and take it back to simple...

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  5. I love the warm colors against the blue and I also love all the white embellishments you added. Funny how we are so hard on ourselves. It's really beautiful! Thank you for your kind words on my blog. I look forward to visiting again soon.

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  6. I always LOVE your abstract free flowing paintings and this one is no exception to that rule. I'd love to know what kind of white paint you use.
    I, too, have issues with The Missing Piece. I get even more crazy with The Giving Tree despite it being such a beloved children's book. Giving is good - surely at some point that selfish kid should have caught on to that basic concept!! Maybe before the tree martyred herself to his wants/demands! (maybe we can book an appointment together for the therapist - apparently I have anger issues!)

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  7. I like the finished piece, but it's quite striking before the white embellishments, too... Love the composition and the colors!
    Good for you keeping your corners sharp! :)

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  8. The finished painting is striking and beautiful. I am more drawn to the cleaner version before the last bit, but as you say, it is a painting. And it is beautiful.

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  9. Hello Pauline!
    YES!! It is always fantastic to see another artist's process... keep them coming. :]
    Love it when the story changes too... all part of the process.
    When to stop, good question...I like to think of it as a moment to breathe. Let t rest, settle in me. Then if all falls into place, the story has been told... I call it "complete", with no regrets!! ~xx

    Also, I wanted you to know, I received your beautiful art, today in the mail!!! WOW!! LOVE IT!! :]
    Such a treasure, you are so talented!
    MANY, MANY, THANKS!! ~xx

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  10. I really like this piece, Pauline, including the addition of your added "crap" - LOL. You crack me up! :o) I have to admit I'm a bit of a book (and magazine) addict myself!

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  11. i like your finished painting as much as the beginning one! To me, each step made it different and better! I agree about the book..i think the triangle should have stayed true to itself, just the way it was created. Everyone has a purpose even if we are all different.

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  12. i forgot to mention that I'm a new follower and hope you'll follow me too!

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  13. Well, I like all the stages, and I ALWAYS enjoy seeing the progression of a piece of art...

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  14. The colors are beautiful and I think the "crap" you added just add to its beauty.... ;-)

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  15. Wow that painting looking great is EVERY stage! Just wonderful:)

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  16. I love see the process of all of your work. It really helps alot. I am always turning my work upside down now because of you.

    Each step was beautiful. My problem is once I stop to see what to do next, I am almost frozen to begin again in case I mess up what I have already done. I guess I need to remember it is just a painting but really it is more than that to me. (I don't think you need a therapist, you should be one since you just helped me figure something out once again). Have a great week.

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  17. I love the point you made that it is sad the triangle succumbs to conforming. As artists we have to be determined to be true to ourselves - and ignore those who don't like our own particular brand of art.

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