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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Taking My Time, and Trying new Things ...

Start of a new portrait. The photo reference was generously "donated" by a photographer who works in southeast Asia. Her coloring and contemplative mood intrigued me.




A ways to go yet, but so far it seems all right.
 
Reference

As you may have surmised, I am not thrilled with my art right now. I know I can do much, much better, and I am pushing myself, and experimenting right now. Between that, and the fact that work around the barn is really busy, I probably won't be posting several times a week. There are fences and gates to mend, brambles to clear, old hay to clear out, barn to clean and organize ... it seems almost endless. And the party is over - back to office work on Thursday, too.

As always, your comments are most welcome.

12 comments:

  1. Kathryn, I have gone through the same feelings about my art too and even changed directions for a little while. I'm even doing collage right now just to clear out some of my old paintings that have no hope of ever becoming anything. So, I'm cutting them up and using parts to make a new painting. It lets me paint between the lines and around what I'm applying to the paper. I have an idea where I want to go; but sometimes, I just haven't got a clue where I will end up. It's that time of year where you are and you'll get back with a vengeance when you've gotten all your outside work under control. Best wishes. I like the beginning of this portrait. Hang in there~ Linda

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  2. I love the photo too. And you know what.. your paint is already looking very good. Best for the rest. :)

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  3. I heard somewhere that its the times of great movement in our art that we become antsy and dissatisfied beforehand. It makes sense to me, like a butterfly emerging. So hang in there, keep plugging away, soon you'll be on the other side and beaming :)

    This little girl looks lovely xx

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  4. A truly beautiful portrait, Kathryn! I know you'll come back refreshed. The way you want to go from here, will come to you, I'm sure. In my city garden on old woodland I also have a continuous battle with brambles, so I know how your arms will look full of scratches! :) Have a good blog retreat, and don't forget to ENJOY it! Judy.

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  5. I think you choose such challenging subjects! I would feel very challenged by them! You should read the explanation of the Art Journal page, which I posted today. It's quite relevant to how you are feeling! Your portrait is looking like it is coming together beautifully :0)

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  6. Your portrait is coming along beautifully! I love the expression on her face. :) And I feel like that too sometimes about my art, but it seems like once those feelings end I am better than I was before. :)

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  7. This is wonderful... and I am happy to have found your blog through Sandra Busby... I love watercolours and the posts I scrolled through showed wonderful work... and thanks for the step by step on this one... looking forward to following and seeing more of your work...xx

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  8. Yes it's strange how we never stay in our comfort zone isn't it? Always challenging ourselves. Sounds like you have a tough workload ahead, Kathryn... I give you a helping hand if I could.

    This portrait looks like its coming along well to me.

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  9. She's beautiful so far, Kathryn!! Your portraits are truly getting better and better! I get tired just listening to everything you have to do....post when you can...we'll be here.

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  10. I really admire your portraits and this one is looking great. I can relate to how you are feeling at the moment about your art and I too am hoping that it is growing pains.

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  11. The model is adorable Kathryn, and I bet as soon you start placing distinguishing shadows on the left part of her face and the little dimples; you will love the outcome :0)
    Thank you,
    Irina

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  12. Kathryn, I think she looks fantastic so far! Neat idea.. I can't wait to see her come together. And for the record, I often have the same feelings about my artwork as well. So hang in there girl! You are an amazing artist!

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