pmthreads ([info]pmthreads) wrote,
@ 2008-05-01 15:33:00
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Entry tags:paintings

Nibbling Mouse, Wandering Thoughts
I had dreams of clearing out all of the unwanted fabric & supplies from my workroom tables, setting up paints, brushes and canvases, and *then* I would sit down and paint something. Well, we've lived here a few months now and I've barely made a dent in the pile (though I have been working on it), so I decided it was time to forget the dream and pick up a brush.

Luckily, 8x10 canvases are small enough to work on at my computer desk.
And that is, let's face it, where I would probably end up working anyway.

Nibbling Mouse

I am pretty pleased with this little painting. I free-handed the pattern on the wall as I went, not worrying about things matching up exactly, it was nice put aside the perfectionism for once. I've been thinking a lot about working with 3 or 4 bold paint colors, as solid as possible. I think I am really drawn to screenprinted work, but until I find a good class (or book or something) I am wary to give it another shot after the last disaster.


I struggle a lot with feeling like I haven't discovered the right medium or style for 'me'. Once I find a new artist I like, I am almost hesitant to look at any more of their work for fear that I will soak in too many deatils ~ or that the new style & inspiration will hurl me down another avenue that doesn't quite lead where I want to go, doesn't quite suit me.

I know most artists, as children, start off by doodling cartoon characters and models in magazines. We gather up information from direct copying, from the art around us, and over the years the information is sorted through and you start to develop your own style. But as an adult, I'm at a bit of a loss. It doesn't seem right to draw too much inspiration from any one source, I don't want to steal anyone's look. But then, I come across artist after artist with a similar style ~ not quite close enough so that can't distinguish the different artists, but I wouldn't be suprised if one was a strong influence for the other. And then I have to wonder if I am being to strict on myself.

And maybe we all struggle with these things.


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[info]kawaiikiki
2008-05-02 12:16 am UTC (link)
Although I am not as skilled as you I do struggle with the same thing. I have a few crafters/artists blogs that I check often and although I like/love their styles I sometimes don't want to look at them because I don't want to copy (or because I'm jealous). I feel like I should have my own style by now, but don't. I have a 5th grader who is turning out to be an extremely creative and amazing writer, with his own distinct style. I'm proud and jealous too. When my students do art they usually complain that they aren't good enough or don't know what to draw. We recently had a lesson on this ringgold: http://www.faithringgold.com/ringgold/images/FRG0009D.JPG and each student only received 4 colors (green, black, brown, and yellow) and had to paint a sunflower. I heard very few groans and was amazed that each student's work was so unique. They were all sunflowers, but no 2 looked alike. I need to photograph our quilt and post it.

Ok, I got off track with that. But I totally feel you on this. I think you are being a bit hard on yourself because you DO have a style of your own. It shows in your bod of work. I love the mouse painting and especially like the colors you chose. Keep it up!

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[info]pmthreads
2008-05-05 05:16 pm UTC (link)
I think a lot of my problem is that everytime I start thinking about what to draw or paint, I feel like it has to be something brand new, not like something I've done before (whic is probably why I think my work is all over the place). But most artists work with the same ideas & themes over & over again, refining, making changes (maybe moving to a different style later on). And I think that is what starts to give your work a definable 'style'.

That is what I am trying to focus on now, reworking a set of ideas. That may end up being hard for me to stick with, I am not good with doing the same thing over & over again, but hopefully there is enough room for experimenting and adding small changes over time that it will not feel that way.

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[info]kawaiikiki
2008-05-06 01:05 am UTC (link)
I too get tired of doing the same thing over and over. Keep up the good work, because I can definitely see your style coming through :D

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(Anonymous)
2008-05-02 04:17 pm UTC (link)
I love that little mouse! I think he would be totally cute as note card too. I know what you mean about finding your own style. I worry too that if I look at other artists work too much that I'll start copying them subconsciously. It makes me nervous! haha.
Valerie
http://thequeenv.typepad.com/

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