OK, so, before we go any further, and we look at the results of my latest efforts in the studio, I want you to do me a favor. I want you to watch this short video. It is the third part of a four part YouTube video series whereby Ira Glass, of NPR radio, gets interviewed on what makes good storytelling. I think we can apply what he is saying to all the arts. You name the art form: writing, sewing, painting, music, drawing, cooking; it does not matter, what he has to say is something we need to perk up our ears to, and take notice. It is vital that as beginning artist we expose ourselves to material, such as this clip, that cushions-the-blow, if you will, when our pieces of art don't quite hit the mark. We need to have an accurate perspective in order to make valid assessments of where we are in our journey to becoming better at that which we have chosen to spend so much effort on.
Watch the video.
This is called Flowers and the Red Vase. It is 2'x5', again very large.
I like the mark making. I am in love with the color I find in even the tiniest little bits of the canvas.
These are closeups of the canvas surface:
I need to remember what Ira Glass said in the video. I need to remember it, over and over again. I need to keep an accurate perspective - it is the most valuable component to my improvement as an artist. Without it, I would stop.
Carolina
What a great video. Hopefully it won't take me as long to get it as it did for him to get it better. :)
Love your painting and the size, that is so great to have this much room to explore. I just started one that is 24" x 48".
Posted by: Suzanne McRae | 02/21/2013 at 05:34 PM
I love your painting! The colours and the running paint, just perfect! Are you using acrylic paint?
Posted by: Eva | 02/22/2013 at 02:52 AM
Yes, Eva, it is acrylic paint. I have been learning to use something called fluid paints by Golden. They are luscious colors, but I am convinced they are going to put me in the poor house!
Carolina
Posted by: Carolina Ellis | 02/22/2013 at 05:53 AM
I love Ira's way of encouraging--supportive but brutally honest. We will make crap, and probably a lot of it, before we get to the point where our vision matches our execution. There's power in knowing that just being on the path already is great progress.
I am so impressed with the size you are tackling! It's amazing to see such bold abandonment. Keep at it!!!
Posted by: Melissa P | 02/22/2013 at 10:38 AM
This is a wonderful video you shared! I look back on my work and I can see what he is talking about. While I always had the technique in sewing, it really took a bit to make it look like how I was seeing it in my minds eye. I think this is very valuable, and I showed Caitlin as well, because she will be attending University in the fall, and will have to go through critiques. I remember those being very humbling, and you need to take the feedback and use it.
I love the colors in your painting! Very vibrant and lively, just as I imagine you to be :)
Posted by: Elizabeth Mackey | 02/22/2013 at 01:10 PM
Hi I'm visiting from our Bloom True facebook page- this painting is stunning. I love it.
Ira is fantastic also and his message ... so true. Doing, making, trying & failing is the way we all get good at something.
Posted by: Susan Black | 02/22/2013 at 04:49 PM