Why do we paint? Sometimes I think the thing that keeps up working is our inability to create to the level of our imagination. “Maybe this time I’ll get it!”
Each painting I complete has something to teach me – sometimes it is a relative success, and I can share it with you. Other times, it is an utter failure. (See my video post on facebook this evening.)
I think it is important to look at excellent, important work, to keep our standards high, while simultaneously telling ourselves that we are just fooling around. We should go into the creative process hoping for a win, but willing to fail by taking risks. If we take risks, and still fail, we fail better!
” I think 99 times and find nothing. I stop thinking, swim in silence, and the truth comes to me.”
“Above all, an artist must never be too easily satisfied with what he has done.”
I’m so excited to be able to offer another giveaway, courtesy of Hahnemühle. You’ll love working on the Cézanne Watercolor Block. It is 10 sheets of 140lb. Cold Pressed, 100% Rag fiber. You can see photos of the sturdy binding along the edges, with openings on the corners for removing the paper. Some of the reviews I’ve seen in the past recommend removing a sheet to work on, but that defeats the purpose of a block!
No matter how wet you work, you can paint on the paper while it is mounted to the block, and remove the sheet with a palette knife once the work is dry. This helps the paper dry smooth and flat. It also keeps the piece from buckling as you are painting on it.
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- Showing the edge where there is no binding. This is where you start to remove the paper
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- No bleed-through on the block after the paper has been removed
The paper accepts the paint beautifully. I think the surface is slightly more textured than Arches cold pressed, which I found exciting.
©Ruth Armitage, “Red Dirt” Watercolor & Gouache on paper, 9.4×12.6″
If you follow me on facebook, you might have seen me gesso over a failed painting this week. I’m glad, because I learned by trying. I learned what I don’t want for this particular image.It is also important for me to be clear about my intention before I begin – something I knew, but don’t always settle on!
My Most Important Take-Away
Finally, I think it is important to take risks. If a work isn’t quite right, I’d rather ruin it in the process of trying to finish it, than play it safe.
Leave me a comment either here or on facebook! What helps you move beyond ‘safe’ to the ‘thrill of victory’ or the ‘agony of defeat?’
And don’t forget to enter the giveaway! In addition to this beautiful watercolor block, I’m throwing in a sweet little travel palette by Van Gogh. If you win, you’ll be all set for one of my workshops – especially France! There are still a few spaces open and now is the prime time to get a good deal on airfare! Check out all the details here!
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- Win this Cezanne Watercolor block by Hahnemühle
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- A little extra goodie for the Giveaway: A Van Gogh Watercolor Palette
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- 24 Wells for 1/2 pans of watercolor, plus generous mixing areas and a sponge
Hi Ruth…
I really enjoy your newsletter… relevant and informational. I fail a lot too.ha! …but those failures have also taught me important lessons not only about my art, but about myself…usually pertaining to trust. Art is such a rich way to grow oneself!
Thanks, Patrice! Art is my favorite way to grow 🙂
The best gift I ever gave myself was permission to make ugly art. If I’m not so attached to the outcome, I can learn and grow so much in the process. Wonderful post, thank you.
That is a fantastic gift! I wish more people were generous with themselves like you!
Hi Ruth. What helps me move beyond ‘safe’ to the ‘thrill of victory’ or the ‘agony of defeat?’ First, I tell myself that it can’t get any worse:) Then, I remind myself that if I really mess it up, I can always start over. Like Lulu wrote, I try to not be so attached to the outcome. Often it’s all about the process!
Thanks Rachel! Those are good points to remember 🙂 Wishing you many thrills of victory…
Thanks for the review I haven’t tried this paper block and will need to. So many art supplies so little time! I look forward to hearing about your workshop in France. I made the mistake of not going to the Sennelier store in Paris, if you have time you should go!
Thanks Betsy! I’ve been to the Sennelier store in Paris – so wonderful! I hope maybe you can join us on the France trip!
Hi, Ruth. I keep missing your blog posts until I see something about them on FB. I guess I must check that more than I do my email, where things seem to get « lost ». Anyway, I love this painting « Red dirt » and am very interested in trying this new paper by Hahnemühle! Thanks for another great blog post!!!!
Thanks Jansi! Best of luck on the drawing!
The watercolor block looks fabulous, more texture would be fun to play with! Wish I were going to France with you to paint, but, I travel to the same area very soon, and plan to visit three caves in the Dordogne region…including Pech Merle! So exciting to think about – if you haven’t read it, this book is wonderful, written by an artist-archeologist…Stepping-stones : a journey through the Ice Age caves of the Dordogne. Wonderful! after reading it, you might decide to visit Font Du Gaume as well! see you soon ~ 🙂
Thank you Linda! I look forward to hearing about your upcoming trip! And thanks for the book recommendation.
Thank you for sharing your art experiences. I learn from them all.
You give us so much to think about.
Thanks Kristie!
Hi Ruth,
Always enjoy your paintings and postings on facebook. Hope your workshop is super successful!
Thanks Harold! We miss you at Critique 🙂
Hi Ruth! Had a great time at Margaret Godfrey’s workshop and am ready to gesso a few old paintings and start afresh. So many “what if?” ideas from her And you just reinforced it with the gesso!
That’s awesome, Becki! Keep rolling along!
Good post, Ruth!
Thanks Tara 🙂