I picked out this pear for its funky shape...then when I got it home I realized it didn't stand up on its own, that's how funky it was. At first I was almost mad, then I thought, what is my problem? So it's a laying-down pear, no big deal! And then I was happy with it again.
I'm having a bit of a process quandary again with these realism paintings. The more real I'm able to make them look, the less painterly they are. They look good, but they're getting tighter and tighter, more blend-y, less loose... which is not what I want, in the grand scheme of things. Oh well, we'll see where the journey takes me...
More art on my website: jalapfaff.com
More art on my website: jalapfaff.com
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19 comments:
I guess it's about decisions. You can clearly do beautiful, very realistic work.
Direct the journey (with intention) and it will take you where you want to go...don't you think?
Your journey is taking you to good places! I live this ... even on it's side!
Hi Loriann - Thanks. I don't know HOW to do that, though! :(
Leslie - Thank you very much.
Damn lazy pears! (;
I know what you mean about the realism thing. I love it and yet I drool when seeing other's painterly impressionistic offerings.
It seems to me that painting often takes on a life of its own. Sometimes I think all we can do is hold onto the brush and enjoy the ride.
Delicious... you have a neat balance with realism and looseness. I don't know how you would get those incredible highlights without a little blending. That's what grabs me in this painting, that little bit in the center.
you are so right -- you never know where you will end up when painting!!!
i am trying to paint some orchids right now. i started out rather tight and fussy, but my true messy nature is kicking in, and i think it is about to get more wild. tbc. who knows how it will turn out!
It's so beautiful!
I love your style - realistic yet so painterly and emotionally expressive.
I'm so glad I stumbled upon your blog.
I'll be back for more exciting paintings of yours.
Hi Jala, I think your pear is beautiful also, I bet you'll find a way to be very painterly and keep the realism.
Jala, this is absolutely wonderful. It captures so much. r.
Regardless where it takes you, isn't the artistic journey fun? I like the advice of not forcing a direction, but letting the brushes and colors carry you. But then, intent has its merits, too. As always, balance, I guess.
A beautiful pear, Jala. Its volume and shape are so clear, no flatness.
Your pear is great Jala - am having the same issues w/blending,smoothing, and seem to end up with more paint on me than the canvas lately. I think I'm painting too thinly for some surfaces I've been choosing. Such a process isn't it! I think this is beautiful.
Jala, I like your diversity, portraits, abstracts, still life, realsim, you seem do all of it really well. It is hard to know what direction to take sometimes. I experience this myself. I usually go with what is the most fun, if at all possible, or what makes me the happiest. This may be a bit simplistic, but it works for me most of the time.
Thank you Jala for your nice comments on my blog. I'll come back soon to see your new works.
Jala. May I take a stab? It sounds like you want the carefree bravado of your man, Sargent while still balancing it with accuracy that so beautifully occupies the other part of your painting soul. May I suggest the palette knife? When you get to the point that you are becoming tight grab the knife.
PS you don't have to print this if you don't want to... just tell me what you think...ok?
I think you've got a great thing going - I always love to see what comes out of your brushes (or pastels)! But that rebellious "laying down pear"... now that is a problem!!! ;)
Very rich image, makes me think of a dutch master still life....love this!
R - Freakin' lazy pears! What to do?!
I think you're right about it having a life of its own. Did you notice I came close to admitting I have no control whatsoever of the painting process? :)
Vern - Then I did a good job, because that's the part I wanted to be the focus. Yay!
Drollgirl - Is that incredibly adorable kitten yours?
Peter - Thank you. I'm glad to hear you find it expressive in spite of its being quite realistic.
Loriann - I've been thinking about what you said. You're right about what I want! For me, though, at least so far, the effects of painting with a knife are so radically different than the brush, that if I combined them in a single painting (other than a small knifely accent, a la Schmid), it would look like two different artists had worked on the same painting.
Laurel - Teeth to rebellious pears! Off with their heads!
Susan - Thank you. It's what I hope for.
Rahina - Thank you.
Donald - Thanks. Well put.
Liz - I think you nailed one of the problems.
Nancy - I really like that attitude.
Sandra - Thank you so much!
gorgeous, Jala! Lying down seems to suit this one, it has such an interesting shape.
Jala, What I meant was paint like you always paint (and do so beautifully)...but when you find yourself moving more towards accuracy and less towards bravado grab the knife and be brave. then go back to painting. Does that make more sense?
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