Monday, February 16, 2009

Collages and Thinking About Colored Pencils

Yesterday I had a painting (below)  of mine critiqued by a very estimable artist who I admire very much. Well, he ripped it apart. No, not literally. He really gave me a detailed critique and it wasn't as hard to take as it would have been in my 20's or 30's. Isn't age wonderful? So, now I have no doubt about how he feels. It turns out it was one of the reflections paintings I did last year and was so proud of. He even said that if I had ideas about doing more along that line to forget it. Well...he he......I already did several. And they are hanging in the gallery, right out there in public.
 

While I was working on two new collages today, I thought about where I need to go now. What direction should I take? Tomorrow, besides finishing the two collages, I have to start one of my entries for the CPSA show. This will be a self portrait, a first for me. So, wish me well. My confidence is just a little teensy bit shaken today.

5 comments:

Michelle said...

Hi Deborah, I love the painting and think you should do more!

Yes, we all need to deal with constructive criticism. But in my humble opinion, someone telling you to never bother trying to do something...is just being a jerk and it's not very constructive!

I'm looking forward to seeing your self portrait. I hope to eventually get around to doing one myself...one of these days!

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

Let's smooth out that confidence a little bit, OK? I really LIKE this painting. Maybe it's not his style, his 'thing', and he's projecting. He can be a really good artist, and not like what you like - or I like, right? Do what you enjoy. Take his words and put them in a jar and... close it. Be happy. It shows in your work. :)

SharonWrightArtist said...

I love this painting too, the colours and the atmosphere is beautiful. Your critique man sounds very superior, in his own mind anyway, and the purpose of critiques is to be helpful, not to slap people down. Glad to see you ignoring him!

the deevine miss m said...

Deborah, your painting is awesome! One of the hardest thing to do, at least for me, is to do what makes ME feel good about my art. So, I hope to see MORE reflections, if that's what you like, just keep on keeping on!

Connie Kleinjans said...

Hi Deborah. I'm so glad you're going to continue painting reflections. They can be wonderful. My brother is buying one of mine because it has reflections AND shadows, and he loves how his eyes travel around it.