A few weeks ago I posted this sketch of a Mule Deer in the Sagebrush. Since then I have been working on the painting whenever I could find some time. There were technical issues with it that I discussed in the earlier post. Mostly because I wanted to do a less conventional composition, but that seems to be beyond my limited imagination.
I had more enthusiasm for this one than I have had for most of my paintings in recent years. That does not mean that I did a better job than usual. These things seem to be beyond my conscious control.
I had a distinctive idea in my mind of how I wanted this painting to look. Right away I started facing challenges in trying to control the paint so that it would look the way I invisioned it as being. That problem is the norm with most of my attempts to paint. I know where I want to go with the paint, I just don't know how to get there.
This is the entire painting, 16x20". To me it does not look so very bad; it just does not look crisp and pristine the way I wanted it to look. The story of my life, I never get things the way I imagine, but I am grateful for the good things that I do achieve artistically. Once upon a time I would have been overjoyed to do a painting that looked like this.
My attitude may seem to be very sour and in this instance, that is intentional. I cannot improve if I am not ruthlessly critical of my own artwork. At least this one does not make me cringe..... yet.
4 comments:
A subject I am rather fond of. I find it fascinating that the Sitka Blacktail can have a rack with forked main beams like its Muley parentage or more like the Virginia deer with one main beam and points coming off it. I couldn't count the hours I've spent following deer. I haven't taken many pictures lately, something I need to remedy.
Jeremy, I remember seeing some Muleys in the little canyon above your house with you in Layton when you were about 15. I look forward to getting more photos from you.
Wow, I thought I was the only one that criticizes myself that way! I feel the exact same way with my work most of the time...
The consistent perfection of your artwork demonstrates your exacting standards Colette.
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