I painted this watercolor a few months ago but didn't particularly like it so I put it away. My efforts to produce a painting for class this week failed, so I dug this watercolor out of my draw and took it along. Well, to my surprise our instructor, Jerry Stitt, raved about it. And the rest of the class loved it too. That got me wondering what it was that I didn't like about it. I guess it's just a case of not being painted in my usual, more atmospheric style. It also got me wondering whether I should be considering what others like about my paintings - with a view to selling. It's a loaded subject. It feels good when I paint something I like and the hope is that a few other people will like it too - maybe even enough to buy the piece. My watercolors that have sold were a mix of what I like painting and some where I was trying other styles with my watercolors. I guess there is always someone out there that will like something you do. I try to marry the skills of painting with marketing my work, but it takes so much of one's time that it's not always easy to balance the two.
Every artist who wants to see go through this introspection I guess, creating something you love and being able to be liked by some one, well enough to buy it is definitely a balancing act. This is a lovely painting with both distance and foreground given equal importance.Glad that many liked it that made you think for this lovely post Jean!
ReplyDeleteI understand your dilemma...and so love this piece! I love the strong diagonal that you put in...makes it so edgy and full of movement! And, I still see the atmosphere as well...I say this one is a winner!!
ReplyDeleteHow could you hide this bonny painting away in a drawer! It does look like your style of work it has the Jean colours and mood look so don't worry. No wonder your tutor and class loved it. Good luck with the sales.
ReplyDeleteGlad you shared this one, Jean. A lovely piece - and it is still your style I think. I have no concept of selling work but if it was my work I think I'd want to keep it!
ReplyDeleteMaybe it just didn't turn out the way you imagined and that stopped you from seeing its merits? It is a beautiful work, Jean!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a well executed piece. I like the contrast of the atmospheric background and the dimensional tree in focus. It's very pleasant to look at, keep up the good work! It is hard to market your work and paint; it's hard to know what the public will like on any given day.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dark atmosphere. It shows your skill with the medium.
ReplyDeleteI just had that disconnect with a piece - folks like the result better than I did, but with them liking it, I am coming 'round.
it's stunning painting jean !..it looks like your style to me ...super
ReplyDeleteI love this painting! The atmosphere is so intense! Beautiful work, Jean
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