Sunday, March 25, 2012

Should I?

Should I post this?  Should I explore a more contemporary look?  Should I throw my gouache away?  Should I give up art?  Those were just some of many questions going through my mind when painting this over the past two days.  It was one of those paintings.

I know there is a learning curve and I also know there are going to be a lot of ugly paintings along this journey.  If you keep painting the same style over and over, how would you know if another style didn't suit you better?  I feel better about it already, just reading my words.  I would be an idiot if I didn't pursue this more.  I know it's not for everybody, but it is closer to what I have in  mind than a lot of my latest paintings.  I think this is close to the style of my still life paintings from a few months ago.

This is painted on 8 x 10 cold press watercolor paper with Daler Rowney gouache.


Here are a couple of Pan Pastel paintings from late last year.   I may try the above painting again using Pan Pastels.  Pans are a more familiar medium and I might have a better chance of success.  I still want to play with gouache, but I think Pans and Pastelmat could help get the look I am after.  Anyway, here are the paintings from last year.






Thanks for looking and listening to my venting.  I am quickly finding out why people urge others to start a blog.  Even if nobody reads it, seeing your thoughts in print is very helpful.

Doug

4 comments:

  1. I remember these two paintings Doug, they're still two of my favorite paintings of yours. You handle the pan pastels very well!

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    1. Yes, Chris, they are two of my favorites too, and when I am having doubts I just look at them to remind me of how far I have come. little steps.

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  2. I definitely think you should continue with gouache. I've been playing around with it also (though not lately because I'm so busy, but I gotta get back to it). Like anything there is a learning curve, but it really works so similar to pastels that I think you will have it figured out in no time!

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    1. Oh, I will be continuing with gouache. It goes nicely onto Pastelmat, so if the painting doesn't turn out, you can always just use it as an under painting. Larry suggests painting on a colored surface, so my supply of Pastelmat will be put to good use. I am enjoying using a brush for a change.

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