Monday, February 20, 2012

When Creating Art Sometimes You Have To Just Walk Away

I learned this from golf:  when you're in the middle of a swing and it just doesn't feel right, stop and start over.  It's hard to do.  Recently I posted a painting with two ducks and some fish  that I spent three weeks working on.  Last week, though, I stepped back from my drafting board to check the tonal values and I knew it was time to quit. One of the ducks looked stiff to me.  The water wasn't showing any movement.  I couldn't get the fish to disappear underneath the water.  I realized I'd used the more textured side of the Stonehenge paper. So, even though I invested three weeks of my precious art life in this painting, I'm glad I quit.  I learned I love the smooth side of Stonehenge because of the way it takes color.  I was trying to change the photo too much and it just didn't work for me. I just finished a new painting and I love the reflection of the grapes in the silver bowl.

Grape Reflection by Susie Tenzer, 8" x 10" colored pencil (all rights reserved)  Buy this painting

I'm participating in a blog hop this week.  What's that?  It's a fun activity where you can visit a lot of wonderful blogs.  Click on the Blog Love Therapy below & start hopping!  See you in a couple of weeks, I'll be out of town visiting my adorable grandkids.




8 comments:

  1. hey miss! i saw you on blog hop and thought i would say hello!

    newest follower! ♥
    follow back ?

    hugs, xo!
    *My Blog* BARBIE-BOMBSHELL.BLOGSPOT.COM

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  2. Thank you for sharing this valuable lesson you learned Susie! It is so hard to quit when you have so much time invested, but sometimes it is the best choice. I love your new piece with the grape reflections! Can't wait to see it in person.

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  3. Hi from a fellow blog hopper and new follower!

    Opalline :)

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  4. That's a lovely painting. It looks so real.

    Thanks for sharing and enjoy your weekend with your grandkids.

    New follower from the blog hop.
    http://myminibag.blogspot.com

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  5. great painting! Love the shine in the center of the bowl! hopped over for a visit :) following!
    http://www.badbarbara.com

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  6. thanks for stopping by Jasmine, Heather, Opalline Star, my mini bag & badBarbara!

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  7. Grandkids... What about your adorable daughter???

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  8. Have fun with your grandkids!

    Stumbled upon your blog through blog-hop - greatest way to connect to bloggers ever! Let's keep in contact. Please check out my blog and follow me too if you like it, Thanks!

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