You paint the way you have to in order to give, that’s life itself, and someone will look and say it is the product of knowing, but it has nothing to do with knowing, it has to do with giving.
–Franz Kline
I love the above quote by Franz Kline… for me it is one way to explain the process I go through in painting. I am seeking to give something from myself to the paper, not putting down what I know. Each painting is a discovery.
I have quite a few new images to post tonight… took photos and finally took the time to crop & resize them, etc. I’m trying to figure out which ones to take to critique tomorrow night (we usually only show 2 images). If you have thoughts on which ones might need further work, I’d love the suggestions. I’m feeling pretty good about most of these, but I’m always open to feedback.
Flower Market, 11×15″ Original Watercolor SOLD
“Scent” Original Watercolor 15″x11″
“Song” Original Watercolor & Gouache 15″x11″
“Knowing” Original Watercolor & Gouache 22″x15″
I’m feeling the pressure to be in the studio every day for this final week that I have the room to myself. On Friday my daughter will be home from college and I will have to share the room with her 🙂 There is something about having to navigate around her piles of clothes etc, that keeps me from being so productive.
Hi Ruth,
I love this group of images! But my favorites are Scent and Flower Market. So that is my vote for your critique tonight.
Watermelons have invaded my paintings these days. I will post some eventually. 🙂
Love,
Catharine
Hi Catharine,
Thanks for the feedback 🙂 It will be interesting to see what everyone says. I’m not surprised about the watermelons at all…. sweet, juicy, full of life and abundance…. can’t wait to see the images. Isn’t it funny how we get obsessed by certain things sometimes?
xo RA
Wow. These are so fabulous. It is great that you share these on your blog. I especially love flower market and song.
Thanks Leigh 🙂
Hi Ruth,
Thanks for your comments on my “Studio Tour”. For some reason I couldn’t get your response to show up on my blog, so I decided to visit your blog and thank you in person. I love the new work you’ve posted – my favorite is the Flower Market.
Cheers! Donna
Thanks Donna! I just finished cleaning up my studio! Your photos were a great inspiration. And thanks for the encouragement about the new work….
xo Ruth
“Scent”–Wonderful glow. Is she thinking, should I open this? The blue bottle is trapping me inside like a genie. Maybe a touch of blue in the hat band. I want a curvy contour for the arm. As in “The Song” limbs. Strong values.
“Knowing”–I’m attracted to the colors. Reminds me of Rembrandt’s “Alexander”.
“Flower Market”–The white shapes really provide exciting contrast. Is the guy Bill Mayer? She’s looking at the basket, thinking, Did you just rip my skirt, hon? He says, “No Dear, I just wanted to see your lovely legs.” Is it a blond Dorothy with those ruby red slippers. What about a dark thin line curving up echoing her dress shape to the white triangle tent cover.
Inspiring,
Ted
P.S. When I get rejected, I walk around my flat, ranting and cursing at the Gods for thinking that I had such a winning piece. Shaking my fist in the air, I’ll show them–and they will topple off their pedestals.
Thanks much for the thoughtful critique Ted 🙂 That’s a high compliment comparing ‘knowing’ to Rembrandt! I’m thinking, after last night’s comments at critique, about simplifying her hair a bit. I think it draws away from the subtlety of her face. Do you agree? I can just imagine the ranting! LOL!
xo Ruth
Hi again, I want the hair as it is,so how can you keep it? She is a warrior like the British Queen who stood up against the Romans. Darken her eyebrows and paint a Celtic or black lace like design around her neck line. Tough job either way. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
Ted
Aack…. too late…. I went in the studio with a glass of wine yesterday afternoon and lightened it. Now I hate it. Will have to repaint the whole thing I fear. ;( I like the idea of darker eyebrow and her being a warrior. Black lace & celtic design might be a bit too literal though… I want people to see her as possibly current as well. Thanks for the ideas though. Now I’m going to have to get busy…. last day in the studio before the invasion of the returning college students!
Oh and I have to compliment all your images on Etsy too! Wonderful!