"Just start where you are and do what you can do and there will be no stopping you" Anonymous
Did you ever think about how much time and energy go into deciding to start a new project or trying something different? There always seems to be one reason--or ten--why one should wait until this or that happens first. Always wondering that if I don't research the whole thing first I might get off on the wrong foot and then not know where to go from there. I know, I for one am guilty of this in many decisions in my life, not just artistic decisions.
By the time I finally get down to business and start what I wanted to do, I have probably invested hours into talking myself out of doing it in the first place. What a waste of time. This wasted time could have been used to accomplish what I thought I couldn't do. What if, for a change, one would just "dive in" and start and let it all unfold as it was meant to be, amazed along the way on what you CAN do.
Now, I do feel it is good to research somewhat the subject that you are thinking of, but not obsess about it day after day and then either not even start at all, or begin and wonder what took you so long.
I especially come to this conclusion when I take the time to reflect on things accomplished and wonder why I truly wasted a lot of precious time. But then, on the other hand, was it good to take the time in order to lay the groundwork? I suspect there is good in both approaches.
How do you begin your project? Is it one where you jump in with both feet or is t a thoroughly thought out process before you even start?
In strolling through Seranya Studios Art Boutique and seeing all the amazing works of art my mind often asks those questions. How did the artist come to the conclusion that this particular work should turn out the way it did?
Stop in the Boutique and see what you think. This lovely Studio is at 307 Mill Street, Plymouth, WI.
Share with us your approach to accomplishing what you do.
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For me, it truly does "depend". It depends on whether the new painting is a commission or from "my list" or "an instant image". If it is a "historical" commission, I may research the heck out of it, taking and collecting pictures and history and data as much as I can for the sake of accuracy. If it is from "my list", which is a file drawer filled with envelopes of captured ideas over the years, probably not as much research is needed. If it is an "instant image", that is I see either a scene, a picture, another artist's painting, then all priorities are dropped (which of course I dare not tell my commission customers) and it is "I have to paint that NOW". All that said, I do understand (and recognize) that feeling of procrastination of getting on with the next work. Usually when I don't know how to do it! But that's what keeps us going, isn't it? The unknown and learning to do something new!
ReplyDeleteYou are right Richard--it often depends on the situation. I have often had to laugh at the end result when I just dive in--so maybe that is why I research the heck of it before starting--or perhaps I am just lazy. Ahhh, the joy of learning something new!!!!!
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