In the previous blog about Sketchy Afternoon, I mentioned that a friend hinted that he preferred more “precise” watercolour painting. I think when I went to paint Bare Necessities, I was sub-consciously trying to be more accurate. I selected a scene which did not have too many elements to distract me as you will see. This time my approach was more deliberate; my brushstrokes and tonal values became more controlled.
As an artist I have experienced the journey to “stream-lined” art through a series of “calculated” steps a few times. One starts off with spontaneity and then gradually one tones it down as one learns what works, which could then lead to a new style; if only it had been that simple.
As artists our worst moments of “apparent failure” could lead to our next breakthrough. I am not an “emotional” artist who has to wait for the muse to beckon me forward, but I was inspired by my friends who asked me to do more Kalahari scenes; they thought this genre had potential.
When we admire each other’s works, we are not always aware of the trials our friend endured to reach his or her familiar style. Darby Bannard said, “Good new art may not look like art. Inspiration doesn’t follow style, it creates it”. http://www.art-quotes.com/getquotes.php?catid=293#.YGdNb-gzZPY
If you look closely at the photograph of the scene I selected, you will see two sheep in the shade. I don’t have the confidence yet to paint animals when I am on location. If I paint from a photograph, I may attempt to do so. Bare Necessities took a little more than an hour to emerge. I gathered my gear and walked home. I had a new plan: I was going to work from photographs and I am going to build up my paintings with greater care.
Once again, I have added links below where you can find items which display “the” Bare Necessities. See you in my little studio next time, where I will paint with greater care. Please remember, there is art in your heart.
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