If you read my post from last week, you know that I started taking an abstract painting class. Part of the class includes critique, so students can bring in pieces that they are working on for feedback from the teacher. Also, at the end of the class we all got together and critiqued each other’s work.
It was a very helpful process especially to be able to bring my work and say “what does this need.” Fortunately, the piece that was on my post last week got good feedback from the teacher.
She said it was almost finished and just need two swipes of thicker paint, almost like an impasto. I like to paint thickly especially with my palette knife. I am now trying a very large palette knife about 2 1/2 inches wide and 6 inches long. Needless to say, it can cover a lot of canvas.
She suggested that it be in the same color as what was already on the canvas. That was not too difficult a challenge except mixing paint to the exact color as I did several days previously, always takes patience.
The Nature of Water and Air, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 30 x 1.5 inches. Ann Hart Marquis
I also started a new painting in class that I almost completely painted over once I got home. I was trying to follow her discussion and suggestions without listening to how I wanted to paint.
Next week, I think that I can incorporate her suggestions and still stay true to myself.
Eager to see what “Nature of Water and Air” becomes!
Your closing paragraphs resonated with me: the ongoing challenge to find the balance between taking suggestions or trying to fulfill lesson requirements AND stay in tune with and true to one’s self.
Dotty, it was an eye opening experience for me to try to follow the teachers suggestions when I really didn’t understand what she was expressing. After being in the class an hour or so, I got her point and began to understand her suggestions which I like. But I had already put colors on my canvas that I eventually decided that I didn’t like in a way I didn’t like. After living with the painting a day or two, I began to see how I could do what I want and incorporate her suggestions. Next time I will be prepared to listen and then process how I want to proceed. I am also going to try to let go of green and blue for her class only (which I didn’t do last week.) I am still painting Ireland so this will be a challenge to be working on 2 ideas at the same time. I will keep you posted