Thursday, February 14, 2013

The Real Challenge....

Yesterday, I mentioned that I struggled throughout the entire painting of the subject for Challenge #13... "The Red Canoe." Yesterday in my post, I chalked it all up to weather and lighting conditions. Over the course of my early morning coffee routine, I came to realize that although I was indeed painting more regularly than usual, the challenge limited me to smaller painting projects to conform to the time necessary each day. As well, I had several larger format paintings which I had been considering... and this format prohibited me from getting my teeth into theses.

My art has never been an area of my life where I required much, if any encouragement to get at it. I have always been a "self-starter"... with ideas which never stop piling up in my head, my sketchbooks and my very large library of digital references. I have always been able to move through these sources to motivate myself and was never short of good subjects. I found this Challenge project to be difficult to juggle with my personal life responsibilities. I found the experience increasingly draining as it proceeded.

All of these things said... I wish to restructure my Challenge goals, not to paint continuously over thirty days to create thirty paintings, but rather to paint over thirty days and create paintings of merit and thought ... that I am proud of. "The Red Canoe"... per say is not such a piece for me personally. It might well find itself in the fireplace as a Valentine evening "cracklin" fire starter... or just a study for a future larger work.

Today, I worked the entire day on "The Winter Willow" piece started... but not finished, a few days back. It is complete for the most part, as of the writing of this post and I truly believe has more to offer"Me"... and "You" than future Challenge 8x10's which I "knocked off" to make the daily deadline. Truth is... "I" am pleased... head-to-toe with my decision. One great painting produced with dedication and proper time... is better than thirty mediocre ones!


 The actual subject... rooted... a few mile east of Rockport


The starting structure... establishing lines... lights and darks in one session


"Winter Willow" - oil on canvas 24x20 inches. it is painted on canvas used to recover canoes like my own. The heavy tooth makes it a challenging surface to lay pigment on... but it really does allow for great textural effects.


The real challenge in living one's life as an artist or even as an individual, is to live it authentically and as fully as you can. Other concerns such as wealth... ambition... and recognition are transient reasons which change as one moves along in life. The first two will sustain one over a life time and in all likelihood, bring some of the other things mentioned as well... without making them primary objectives.

I offer the jpeg of the finished piece to perhaps help you to understand both my dilemma... and my solution. Paint what you feel and have a passion for... and you will always be happy and motivated to sit down to the studio easel... or to head "out there." Good luck with your own choices and journeys!

Good Painting!... to ALL!!!

8 comments:

  1. Your work is never mediocre, Bruce. I haven't seen one painting that I haven't liked. Kudos to you for attempting such a demanding challenge. My goal is to paint more. With work schedules and family needs, that goal is often challenging enough.

    I think your Willow is superb. I also like the Red Canoe. I bet you'll return to work more magic on it one day...but it looks mighty good right now.

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  2. Hi Bruce, daily-painting can be a useful way of getting motivated, but when the challenge becomes a burden I don't see the point. I'm sure you're right to follow your heart rather than stick slavishly to a project that is going to be disappointing in the end.

    all the best,
    Keith

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  3. I totally agree with your decision, Bruce. That said, I did like the work you've been doing very much too. Of course, I like all your work and think it is all fabulous. I still ogle that windmill sketch on your sidebar! The willow is amazing!

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  4. Good morning Sherry!... Thank you for leaving your supportive words and comments!

    Each of us must commit to a path that we can enjoy and grow on as we travel. Deviating from that path... when that feels "not right" for us is giving way to forces and events which can discourage... even destroy the joy we seek.

    I am happy with my decision... and feel better already that I made the decision for the right reason... "Me" and my own principles. Good paintings... large and small will continue to come forth... as they should... when they are ready to be painted to life!

    Thanks for your support... all along the way!. I much appreciate it!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  5. Good evening Wendy!... Thank you for visiting and for your supportive comments!

    Painting is and always been a very large and important part of who I am and it has been the one activity in my life which I feel total control over.

    Finding balance is terribly important as a human being. Moderation is a goal we all should seek to achieve in all aspects of our life. Maintaining that balance is always a task... and can slip out of hand simply by giving too much attention to a single part of one's life.

    I will get back to the "Red Canoe" project some day... but with better preparation and timing. I forced it this time.


    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  6. Good evening Keith!... Thanks for visiting and for adding your very sage view regarding daily painting. If the goal of such an undertaking becomes burdensome... and becomes merely going through the motions to meet a deadline... and a less than enjoyable or worthy painting... then as you have said... it warrants taking a second look at its value.

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards.,
    Bruce

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  7. Wishing you all the best with the thirty days of painting Bruce. Looks like you have some very icy weather and intense cold too. Both of these can be very draining, it could be that had you had a challenge set in summer you may have been able to paint a different painting each day. At the end of the day the end result is important and so is the actual process of simply painting. You could include drawing into your challenge it certainly is a wonderful creative process all of it's own. Looking forward to seeing your paintings progress. The willow tree painting looks lovely.

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  8. Good morning Highland Lass!... So nice to hear from You!

    Thank you for your encouraging words... and for your very "worth considering" suggestions for overcoming the barrier that my own Challenge presented for me.

    Sometimes,we unwittingly steer into areas which cause too much stress for the payback. This was one of those occasions for me! Self-inflicted... and learned from. Just move on... and as you can see... I have!

    Thanks for dropping by! Good luck with your own projects... and highland winter!

    Gopod Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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