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Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Stumped


So. I know this isn't done--at least, it doesn't feel done. I checked it out in black and white, and there's not a totally good balance as far as darks and lights go (altho the left side washed out a little because of glare from the window).  I already completely recovered the left side of the canvas--there were two big 'Chinese lanterns' there, and as much as I liked them, they just weren't working.

Katie says I need to tone down the background; that it's too busy. And I can see that, but--I like the whole thing. I don't want to cover anything up. Well, actually what I want to do is keep the background for another painting and tone it down on this one. And that's not possible. I know, glaze, glaze, glaze! I'm just having trouble actually doing it.

I need to get over this ridiculous attachment. How do you do that? Get yourself to take a step back and be objective? I need to know!

P.S. Just sitting here looking at it on the computer screen, and realized that mentally taking away the white outlines totally clarifies the whole thing for me. This painting is big (24 by 48) and I'm guessing that seeing it smaller helped me. Not sure...

33 comments:

carol l mckenna said...

I think it looks lovely ~ detach ~ and think 'it's only canvas, it's only paper and play, play, play ~ and don't try so hard ~ take a rest ~ let it be ~ come back to it ~ those are my thoughts and what I try to do ~ (A Creative Harbor)

ps Come sit on the deck with me and chill ^_^

Lynn Cohen said...

I'm glad I don't think about my drawings/paintings much, I just do them and what is is. Maybe they'd be much better if I knew what you know about art??? But I'm glad I don't have this struggle. Seems to me if you took away the white outline the objects would disappear into the background...but what do I know?
It looks good to me as is! Just saying.

Tara @ Aquamarine Art said...

I never thought to check an image in black and white - I'm going to try that next time! I usually just turn a painting upside down to look for any imbalances.

I'm so familiar with that 'it's not done but what does it need' feeling. Although to me this is beautiful and looks totally finished!

Thanks for stopping by my blog. :)
Tara@Aquamarine
www.taraleaver.com/blog

Gill Edwards said...

that is stunning, i love the colours and the white outline really makes it for me.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting.

Gill

http://theblogofevthing.blogspot.co.uk

Hwee said...

I like it! I think the white lines unify the whole painting anyway, and I find the background interesting. :-)

Tracey FK said...

I am a bit of a chicken so i often print out copies from the computer and then play on them... I find that it is easier to try things that way... good luck... it is looking great already...xx

Anne Manda said...

I can't advise what you should do, but I think it looks beautiful! You will figure it out... <3

Anonymous said...

It always helps me, after looking at it as long as I can and still being undecided, to walk away from it and don't look at it for a day or two. If you still like it the way it is, leave it - or change it if something is still bothering you. I think its very pretty - but like you mentioned, looking at something that's large may look a lot different when small (I'm getting vanity/countertops and that is a warning the companies give when buying a granite pattern: make sure you see a big piece before you decide or you may be unpleasantly surprised!

VonnyK said...

I always put a painting away for a while and come back to it, when I'm not sure what it needs. I love it as it is, trying to imagine it at full size and I think it would look fabulous and bright. Perfect to me.
Von

kat said...

Karen this is a beautiful piece, the colors are stunning and the whole effect gorgeous! I agree the white outlines really make this piece, love it!

Christine said...

you're too hard on yourself Karen, it looks great, both ways!

wednesday said...

I can't imagine it without the white lines, which I really like. The whole thing is so lively.

Usually when I feel like I have gone too far and possibly ruined something, I just plow ahead. It's sort of freeing to think, "Oh well, it can either get better or it can go in the trash."

Gloria j Zucaro said...

I love the background and the white outlines, it is so cool! Beautiful colors! Great, I love it!

TinaW said...

Can you just keep the background for future work by leaving it in Photoshop and printing it when you want it? Or making digital works?

Rita said...

I LOVE the background especially and wouldn't want to change it, either. I like the white outlined flowers, too, though. I wasn't any help at all--LOL! ;)

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

Well I think it looks fine to me. Love the colors and I love flowers. Some times walking away from something I am working on for awhile and then looking at it again later helps me with a problem or liking something better. Also I was taught to put something up to a mirror which is supposed to help with seeing better what might be wrong with a layout. HPPF

Maria Ontiveros said...

Love the shade of blue in the background - it glows.
Rinda

soulbrush said...

I actually love it, the colours just sing with each other well done and happy PPF

Molly said...

I love the bold colors and don't see the background as too strong at all, especially with the white outlines.

I have not thought to look at a piece in black and white for the balance factor. Great tip. Thanks!

Mary C. Nasser said...

I really love the complementary color palette of oranges and blues...the colors make each other vibrate!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art

Unknown said...

This is the first I've ever heard to check balance with the gray that's brilliant. I like the painting a lot adding more small details could help. Like scallop edges on the outer edge of the large flowers. Inside the flower petals is beautful as is.

Unknown said...

when your post first came up, all I saw was your painting and I thought -- how beautiful! It's so interesting how differently we see our own work. If I were you, I would put it away for a few days and then look at it again with new eyes. You might think it's as lovely as I do! But I do think it's interesting to check it in black and white... Happy PPF.

Paula - Buenos Aires said...

Oh, the idea of turning this into B&W, genius!
I actually like the background, although I can see that if everything is too interesting the eye doesn´t know where to go first. Wondering what you´ll do next.

A Splash of Ida said...

this is really cute! I love the mix of vibrant colours and I love the composition!!! thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving such kind words!!!

have a great weekend!

xoxo
Ida

Ayala Art said...

I personally love the background, it works for me. And you know what? I have no problem with feeling attached to a shape or color in a painting. let it be, and enjoy it. It is rare the occasion that we feel so strong about a creation, so what's wrong with that? :o)

SHERI COOK said...

The piece is BEAUTIFUL. Take it from all your comments...it is very lovely!
Happy PPF!
Sheri Cook/Happy Horse Studio

Natasha said...

I find that it is the backgrounds that I really love, that cause me the most angst because I don't take as many chances. I am too scared to ruin it or cover up the good bits.

I love the way you checked it in black and white. I am going to try that next time I am stuck. As another tool to see if that helps me progress some paintings.

Often I have to put away paintings I am stuck on and come back to them when I have more distance and perspective. Usually I can then see a way forward.

aimee said...

it looks totally done to me! this would look so cool as an art quilt!

Giggles said...

Personally I don't want you to change a thing because I love it!! Your style may not be every ones style but I love whimsy and vibrant color so it really speaks to me. I would own a quilt with your pattern and I am very picky so that says a lot!! Be true to your own heart...don't over analyze it!! It you love it that's all that's important...your heart will know when it's right...it just knows...
I only love a small percent of my painting...a very small percent...I know when they are right for me!!

Good luck, it truly is beautiful!!

Hugs Giggles

JKW said...

I almost always always always hate my work, be it writing, painting, or fabric. I let it settle and then come back to it. . . it's OK, really it is. As Carol says, Let it Be, come back to it; as Giggles says, you have your own style and pattern. . . . .Blessings, Janet PPF

lorik said...

I like your result. And I don't mind busy backgrounds- your work has lots of depth. Besides taking a break and coming back later to look with fresh eyes at an artwork, I often turn them upside down. You really do see what's "wrong". Maybe you do that too?
BTW you might like to share your more orange work on Mandarin Orange Monday. It is a meme for art and photo art.

Molly said...

I love your use of color. And switching to b&w is a great check for balance!

Molly said...

Ha ha... I thought I had seen that before.... Looks like I already commented on your brilliant technique when you first posted it!