You've already seen this painting. I shared it two weeks ago.
But did you know that you also saw it back in 2013?
Say, what?
Yep, back in 2013 I shared this finished painting:
I expressed my ambivalent feelings about the painting when I posted it. It was one of those painting that never got hung up on my walls because I just didn't love it. It sat in a pile of finished but unloved paintings for the last four years. Then I decided to give it a makeover.
I flipped the old version of the painting upside down in the side-by-side comparison above so that you can more easily see the old painting under the new one. Pretty amazing transformation, right?
Some lessons I'm taking away from this experience:
- Time is an important tool. Four years is, perhaps, an absurd amount of time to work on a painting. But, by having that gap I was able to see past my original intentions and bring something totally new out of the painting.
- No work is wasted. I still remember posting an art journaling video on YouTube and receiving comments asking why I had done certain things if I was just going to cover them up. At the time I tried to explain that I don't pre-plan stuff, so sometimes things get covered up as they evolve. The more experience I gain with painting, the more I'm convinced that these layers make the work look richer. The painting evolves as my ideas ping off each other and change direction.
- Being a hoarder is a good thing. #jokingnotjoking Part of the reason that it's difficult to part with things is because, as makers, we do use so many of them! Eventually. I'm certainly glad that I didn't trash this canvas.
- Don't make a snap decision. I know some people say to gesso over things you don't like, but I have found that giving art time to breathe often allows me to see the possibilities. More than once I've been caught covering something up that I should have left alone because it was better the next day or the next week. I guess this is kind of a repeat of bullet #1. But I think it's worth repeating. It's so easy to look at something you've created and say, "Ugh. I don't like it." Perhaps you'll change your mind tomorrow? Perhaps the next day a new idea will inspire you? I think getting frustrated with art is akin to getting mad in an argument. Sometimes it's good to walk away and maintain a cool head, you know?
What are your thoughts on this transformation?
Thanks for stopping by!
Dear Julie
Thank you for reminding us that creating is its own purpose and perfecting that creation is a very uplifting fun for the creator.
Michelle
Dear Julie
Thank you for reminding us that creating is its own purpose and perfecting that creation is a very uplifting fun for the creator.
Michelle
Dear Julie
Thank you for reminding us that creating is its own purpose and perfecting that creation is a very uplifting fun for the creator.
Michelle
Dear Julie
Thank you for reminding us that creating is its own purpose and perfecting that creation is a very uplifting fun for the creator.
Michelle
Dear Julie
Thank you for reminding us that creating is its own purpose and perfecting that creation is a very uplifting fun for the creator.
Michelle
Dear Julie
Thank you for reminding us that creating is its own purpose and perfecting that creation is a very uplifting fun for the creator.
Michelle
Enjoyed the new canvas much more than the old. Great job. Recycling used canvases was done by lots of artists. It is a noble thing for the environment as well as the wallet. If your old design no longer excites you, there is always a good coat or two of White or black Gesso to start new. I did have a question…is this acrylic or oil? Or Golden Open? Have always wanted to try the golden open. Acrylics dry much too fast! Oils dry much too slow! Have to look up how long golden open stays wet. I know you went to the golden class this past year. What were your thoughts on the open? Is it something you enjoy using since the classes or have you gone back to straight acrylics/oils? Love your blog, vlog, stamp carving book, old scrapbooking Memories shows, Scrapbook Soup, Make It Artsy program, Scan & Cut videos, and Podcasts. Love your mom too! She is a wise woman, and contributes so much. You are so blessed to have her, and work so well together! Lots of us listening wish we had moms like her too. Looking forward to some event in the future where I can meet you both! (Almost went to your very last stamp carving class in New York before you announced the move but you were concerned about space in the apt. We were coming in for a visit from Indiana. I was the person who carved my first stamp of my service dog with sunglasses on…& you liked it.).
Wish you had events closer to Indiana!! Will you be at Create in Ohio in April?
Bought the scan & cut but have not opened it yet. Into too other things right now but will open it in the next month. (I promise!). You are a great inspiration Julie. Keep up inspiring and teaching us all!
Enjoyed the new canvas much more than the old. Great job. Recycling used canvases was done by lots of artists. It is a noble thing for the environment as well as the wallet. If your old design no longer excites you, there is always a good coat or two of White or black Gesso to start new. I did have a question…is this acrylic or oil? Or Golden Open? Have always wanted to try the golden open. Acrylics dry much too fast! Oils dry much too slow! Have to look up how long golden open stays wet. I know you went to the golden class this past year. What were your thoughts on the open? Is it something you enjoy using since the classes or have you gone back to straight acrylics/oils? Love your blog, vlog, stamp carving book, old scrapbooking Memories shows, Scrapbook Soup, Make It Artsy program, Scan & Cut videos, and Podcasts. Love your mom too! She is a wise woman, and contributes so much. You are so blessed to have her, and work so well together! Lots of us listening wish we had moms like her too. Looking forward to some event in the future where I can meet you both! (Almost went to your very last stamp carving class in New York before you announced the move but you were concerned about space in the apt. We were coming in for a visit from Indiana. I was the person who carved my first stamp of my service dog with sunglasses on…& you liked it.).
Wish you had events closer to Indiana!! Will you be at Create in Ohio in April?
Bought the scan & cut but have not opened it yet. Into too other things right now but will open it in the next month. (I promise!). You are a great inspiration Julie. Keep up inspiring and teaching us all!
Enjoyed the new canvas much more than the old. Great job. Recycling used canvases was done by lots of artists. It is a noble thing for the environment as well as the wallet. If your old design no longer excites you, there is always a good coat or two of White or black Gesso to start new. I did have a question…is this acrylic or oil? Or Golden Open? Have always wanted to try the golden open. Acrylics dry much too fast! Oils dry much too slow! Have to look up how long golden open stays wet. I know you went to the golden class this past year. What were your thoughts on the open? Is it something you enjoy using since the classes or have you gone back to straight acrylics/oils? Love your blog, vlog, stamp carving book, old scrapbooking Memories shows, Scrapbook Soup, Make It Artsy program, Scan & Cut videos, and Podcasts. Love your mom too! She is a wise woman, and contributes so much. You are so blessed to have her, and work so well together! Lots of us listening wish we had moms like her too. Looking forward to some event in the future where I can meet you both! (Almost went to your very last stamp carving class in New York before you announced the move but you were concerned about space in the apt. We were coming in for a visit from Indiana. I was the person who carved my first stamp of my service dog with sunglasses on…& you liked it.).
Wish you had events closer to Indiana!! Will you be at Create in Ohio in April?
Bought the scan & cut but have not opened it yet. Into too other things right now but will open it in the next month. (I promise!). You are a great inspiration Julie. Keep up inspiring and teaching us all!
Enjoyed the new canvas much more than the old. Great job. Recycling used canvases was done by lots of artists. It is a noble thing for the environment as well as the wallet. If your old design no longer excites you, there is always a good coat or two of White or black Gesso to start new. I did have a question…is this acrylic or oil? Or Golden Open? Have always wanted to try the golden open. Acrylics dry much too fast! Oils dry much too slow! Have to look up how long golden open stays wet. I know you went to the golden class this past year. What were your thoughts on the open? Is it something you enjoy using since the classes or have you gone back to straight acrylics/oils? Love your blog, vlog, stamp carving book, old scrapbooking Memories shows, Scrapbook Soup, Make It Artsy program, Scan & Cut videos, and Podcasts. Love your mom too! She is a wise woman, and contributes so much. You are so blessed to have her, and work so well together! Lots of us listening wish we had moms like her too. Looking forward to some event in the future where I can meet you both! (Almost went to your very last stamp carving class in New York before you announced the move but you were concerned about space in the apt. We were coming in for a visit from Indiana. I was the person who carved my first stamp of my service dog with sunglasses on…& you liked it.).
Wish you had events closer to Indiana!! Will you be at Create in Ohio in April?
Bought the scan & cut but have not opened it yet. Into too other things right now but will open it in the next month. (I promise!). You are a great inspiration Julie. Keep up inspiring and teaching us all!
Enjoyed the new canvas much more than the old. Great job. Recycling used canvases was done by lots of artists. It is a noble thing for the environment as well as the wallet. If your old design no longer excites you, there is always a good coat or two of White or black Gesso to start new. I did have a question…is this acrylic or oil? Or Golden Open? Have always wanted to try the golden open. Acrylics dry much too fast! Oils dry much too slow! Have to look up how long golden open stays wet. I know you went to the golden class this past year. What were your thoughts on the open? Is it something you enjoy using since the classes or have you gone back to straight acrylics/oils? Love your blog, vlog, stamp carving book, old scrapbooking Memories shows, Scrapbook Soup, Make It Artsy program, Scan & Cut videos, and Podcasts. Love your mom too! She is a wise woman, and contributes so much. You are so blessed to have her, and work so well together! Lots of us listening wish we had moms like her too. Looking forward to some event in the future where I can meet you both! (Almost went to your very last stamp carving class in New York before you announced the move but you were concerned about space in the apt. We were coming in for a visit from Indiana. I was the person who carved my first stamp of my service dog with sunglasses on…& you liked it.).
Wish you had events closer to Indiana!! Will you be at Create in Ohio in April?
Bought the scan & cut but have not opened it yet. Into too other things right now but will open it in the next month. (I promise!). You are a great inspiration Julie. Keep up inspiring and teaching us all!
Enjoyed the new canvas much more than the old. Great job. Recycling used canvases was done by lots of artists. It is a noble thing for the environment as well as the wallet. If your old design no longer excites you, there is always a good coat or two of White or black Gesso to start new. I did have a question…is this acrylic or oil? Or Golden Open? Have always wanted to try the golden open. Acrylics dry much too fast! Oils dry much too slow! Have to look up how long golden open stays wet. I know you went to the golden class this past year. What were your thoughts on the open? Is it something you enjoy using since the classes or have you gone back to straight acrylics/oils? Love your blog, vlog, stamp carving book, old scrapbooking Memories shows, Scrapbook Soup, Make It Artsy program, Scan & Cut videos, and Podcasts. Love your mom too! She is a wise woman, and contributes so much. You are so blessed to have her, and work so well together! Lots of us listening wish we had moms like her too. Looking forward to some event in the future where I can meet you both! (Almost went to your very last stamp carving class in New York before you announced the move but you were concerned about space in the apt. We were coming in for a visit from Indiana. I was the person who carved my first stamp of my service dog with sunglasses on…& you liked it.).
Wish you had events closer to Indiana!! Will you be at Create in Ohio in April?
Bought the scan & cut but have not opened it yet. Into too other things right now but will open it in the next month. (I promise!). You are a great inspiration Julie. Keep up inspiring and teaching us all!
We are growing everyday. I tell my students at school that your art work is never done. You can add to it at any time you like. Thanks for letting us see your growth and passing your knowledge on to us.
We are growing everyday. I tell my students at school that your art work is never done. You can add to it at any time you like. Thanks for letting us see your growth and passing your knowledge on to us.
We are growing everyday. I tell my students at school that your art work is never done. You can add to it at any time you like. Thanks for letting us see your growth and passing your knowledge on to us.
We are growing everyday. I tell my students at school that your art work is never done. You can add to it at any time you like. Thanks for letting us see your growth and passing your knowledge on to us.
We are growing everyday. I tell my students at school that your art work is never done. You can add to it at any time you like. Thanks for letting us see your growth and passing your knowledge on to us.
We are growing everyday. I tell my students at school that your art work is never done. You can add to it at any time you like. Thanks for letting us see your growth and passing your knowledge on to us.
I have my first mixed media canvas painting hanging in my bedroom and I am constantly changing it or painting over. My husband continues to tell me to leave it alone but whenever I look at it it seems to not be finished. Thank you for sharing as it offers me encouragement that it is not so unusual to have a mixed media painting that continues to evolve over time. Thank you for helping me through by giving me permission to continue working on it until I absolutely love it and it feels finished. I certainly love the finished image of the face, with so many intricacies and richness of textures! Love what you share!!
I have my first mixed media canvas painting hanging in my bedroom and I am constantly changing it or painting over. My husband continues to tell me to leave it alone but whenever I look at it it seems to not be finished. Thank you for sharing as it offers me encouragement that it is not so unusual to have a mixed media painting that continues to evolve over time. Thank you for helping me through by giving me permission to continue working on it until I absolutely love it and it feels finished. I certainly love the finished image of the face, with so many intricacies and richness of textures! Love what you share!!
I have my first mixed media canvas painting hanging in my bedroom and I am constantly changing it or painting over. My husband continues to tell me to leave it alone but whenever I look at it it seems to not be finished. Thank you for sharing as it offers me encouragement that it is not so unusual to have a mixed media painting that continues to evolve over time. Thank you for helping me through by giving me permission to continue working on it until I absolutely love it and it feels finished. I certainly love the finished image of the face, with so many intricacies and richness of textures! Love what you share!!
I have my first mixed media canvas painting hanging in my bedroom and I am constantly changing it or painting over. My husband continues to tell me to leave it alone but whenever I look at it it seems to not be finished. Thank you for sharing as it offers me encouragement that it is not so unusual to have a mixed media painting that continues to evolve over time. Thank you for helping me through by giving me permission to continue working on it until I absolutely love it and it feels finished. I certainly love the finished image of the face, with so many intricacies and richness of textures! Love what you share!!
I have my first mixed media canvas painting hanging in my bedroom and I am constantly changing it or painting over. My husband continues to tell me to leave it alone but whenever I look at it it seems to not be finished. Thank you for sharing as it offers me encouragement that it is not so unusual to have a mixed media painting that continues to evolve over time. Thank you for helping me through by giving me permission to continue working on it until I absolutely love it and it feels finished. I certainly love the finished image of the face, with so many intricacies and richness of textures! Love what you share!!
I have my first mixed media canvas painting hanging in my bedroom and I am constantly changing it or painting over. My husband continues to tell me to leave it alone but whenever I look at it it seems to not be finished. Thank you for sharing as it offers me encouragement that it is not so unusual to have a mixed media painting that continues to evolve over time. Thank you for helping me through by giving me permission to continue working on it until I absolutely love it and it feels finished. I certainly love the finished image of the face, with so many intricacies and richness of textures! Love what you share!!
I love your 100 canvases project. I’d like to give it a whirl, myself. I have done a few….a start? lol. But I have a technique question. I have an abstract painting concept, but I don’t have the skills. Any suggestions of resources I can investigate to learn the skills I need to create what I envision? I don’t really live where there are many adult art classes offered, so I need another avenue. Thanks, and keep up the inspiring work!
I love your 100 canvases project. I’d like to give it a whirl, myself. I have done a few….a start? lol. But I have a technique question. I have an abstract painting concept, but I don’t have the skills. Any suggestions of resources I can investigate to learn the skills I need to create what I envision? I don’t really live where there are many adult art classes offered, so I need another avenue. Thanks, and keep up the inspiring work!
I love your 100 canvases project. I’d like to give it a whirl, myself. I have done a few….a start? lol. But I have a technique question. I have an abstract painting concept, but I don’t have the skills. Any suggestions of resources I can investigate to learn the skills I need to create what I envision? I don’t really live where there are many adult art classes offered, so I need another avenue. Thanks, and keep up the inspiring work!
I love your 100 canvases project. I’d like to give it a whirl, myself. I have done a few….a start? lol. But I have a technique question. I have an abstract painting concept, but I don’t have the skills. Any suggestions of resources I can investigate to learn the skills I need to create what I envision? I don’t really live where there are many adult art classes offered, so I need another avenue. Thanks, and keep up the inspiring work!
I love your 100 canvases project. I’d like to give it a whirl, myself. I have done a few….a start? lol. But I have a technique question. I have an abstract painting concept, but I don’t have the skills. Any suggestions of resources I can investigate to learn the skills I need to create what I envision? I don’t really live where there are many adult art classes offered, so I need another avenue. Thanks, and keep up the inspiring work!
I love your 100 canvases project. I’d like to give it a whirl, myself. I have done a few….a start? lol. But I have a technique question. I have an abstract painting concept, but I don’t have the skills. Any suggestions of resources I can investigate to learn the skills I need to create what I envision? I don’t really live where there are many adult art classes offered, so I need another avenue. Thanks, and keep up the inspiring work!
Wow!!! I never looked @ my unfinished projects in quite that way
Thanks 4 the new inspiration!!! Now if I can just find where
I put those canvas ……!!!!!!!
Wow!!! I never looked @ my unfinished projects in quite that way
Thanks 4 the new inspiration!!! Now if I can just find where
I put those canvas ……!!!!!!!
Wow!!! I never looked @ my unfinished projects in quite that way
Thanks 4 the new inspiration!!! Now if I can just find where
I put those canvas ……!!!!!!!
Wow!!! I never looked @ my unfinished projects in quite that way
Thanks 4 the new inspiration!!! Now if I can just find where
I put those canvas ……!!!!!!!
Wow!!! I never looked @ my unfinished projects in quite that way
Thanks 4 the new inspiration!!! Now if I can just find where
I put those canvas ……!!!!!!!
Wow!!! I never looked @ my unfinished projects in quite that way
Thanks 4 the new inspiration!!! Now if I can just find where
I put those canvas ……!!!!!!!
I love this post (and the finished painting). I love the affirmation that covering things up is not a waste and also that sometimes you just need to be patient with your work and eventually you’ll know what to do with it! Thanks, Julie!
I love this post (and the finished painting). I love the affirmation that covering things up is not a waste and also that sometimes you just need to be patient with your work and eventually you’ll know what to do with it! Thanks, Julie!
I love this post (and the finished painting). I love the affirmation that covering things up is not a waste and also that sometimes you just need to be patient with your work and eventually you’ll know what to do with it! Thanks, Julie!
I love this post (and the finished painting). I love the affirmation that covering things up is not a waste and also that sometimes you just need to be patient with your work and eventually you’ll know what to do with it! Thanks, Julie!
I love this post (and the finished painting). I love the affirmation that covering things up is not a waste and also that sometimes you just need to be patient with your work and eventually you’ll know what to do with it! Thanks, Julie!
I love this post (and the finished painting). I love the affirmation that covering things up is not a waste and also that sometimes you just need to be patient with your work and eventually you’ll know what to do with it! Thanks, Julie!
What a great transformation. You’ve inspired me to take another look at a couple of paintings I’ve made that i was never happy with!
What a great transformation. You’ve inspired me to take another look at a couple of paintings I’ve made that i was never happy with!
What a great transformation. You’ve inspired me to take another look at a couple of paintings I’ve made that i was never happy with!
What a great transformation. You’ve inspired me to take another look at a couple of paintings I’ve made that i was never happy with!
What a great transformation. You’ve inspired me to take another look at a couple of paintings I’ve made that i was never happy with!
What a great transformation. You’ve inspired me to take another look at a couple of paintings I’ve made that i was never happy with!
Wow! So many words of wisdom! I’m really so happy that I’m subscribed to your blogs, this really helped me come to terms with my perceived failures.
Wow! So many words of wisdom! I’m really so happy that I’m subscribed to your blogs, this really helped me come to terms with my perceived failures.
Wow! So many words of wisdom! I’m really so happy that I’m subscribed to your blogs, this really helped me come to terms with my perceived failures.
Wow! So many words of wisdom! I’m really so happy that I’m subscribed to your blogs, this really helped me come to terms with my perceived failures.
Wow! So many words of wisdom! I’m really so happy that I’m subscribed to your blogs, this really helped me come to terms with my perceived failures.
Wow! So many words of wisdom! I’m really so happy that I’m subscribed to your blogs, this really helped me come to terms with my perceived failures.
Love the new canvas. A wise woman told me many years ago that living takes time…..well creating art takes time too.
Love the new canvas. A wise woman told me many years ago that living takes time…..well creating art takes time too.
Love the new canvas. A wise woman told me many years ago that living takes time…..well creating art takes time too.
Love the new canvas. A wise woman told me many years ago that living takes time…..well creating art takes time too.
Love the new canvas. A wise woman told me many years ago that living takes time…..well creating art takes time too.
Love the new canvas. A wise woman told me many years ago that living takes time…..well creating art takes time too.
A while back I dabbled in printing on fabric through a print-on-demand company. One of the artworks just didn’t make the grade, but I kept it. It was a face shot of a famous movie character. I did add some paper collage to the hair and felt that improved it, but left it alone after that. I think now, I will get it out and apply more mixed media to the piece. I really loved your second go on this one of yours. However, you have the original protected on your computer and you could generate more art or a different one entirely from segments from it later if you want. A win-win situation.
A while back I dabbled in printing on fabric through a print-on-demand company. One of the artworks just didn’t make the grade, but I kept it. It was a face shot of a famous movie character. I did add some paper collage to the hair and felt that improved it, but left it alone after that. I think now, I will get it out and apply more mixed media to the piece. I really loved your second go on this one of yours. However, you have the original protected on your computer and you could generate more art or a different one entirely from segments from it later if you want. A win-win situation.
A while back I dabbled in printing on fabric through a print-on-demand company. One of the artworks just didn’t make the grade, but I kept it. It was a face shot of a famous movie character. I did add some paper collage to the hair and felt that improved it, but left it alone after that. I think now, I will get it out and apply more mixed media to the piece. I really loved your second go on this one of yours. However, you have the original protected on your computer and you could generate more art or a different one entirely from segments from it later if you want. A win-win situation.
A while back I dabbled in printing on fabric through a print-on-demand company. One of the artworks just didn’t make the grade, but I kept it. It was a face shot of a famous movie character. I did add some paper collage to the hair and felt that improved it, but left it alone after that. I think now, I will get it out and apply more mixed media to the piece. I really loved your second go on this one of yours. However, you have the original protected on your computer and you could generate more art or a different one entirely from segments from it later if you want. A win-win situation.
A while back I dabbled in printing on fabric through a print-on-demand company. One of the artworks just didn’t make the grade, but I kept it. It was a face shot of a famous movie character. I did add some paper collage to the hair and felt that improved it, but left it alone after that. I think now, I will get it out and apply more mixed media to the piece. I really loved your second go on this one of yours. However, you have the original protected on your computer and you could generate more art or a different one entirely from segments from it later if you want. A win-win situation.
A while back I dabbled in printing on fabric through a print-on-demand company. One of the artworks just didn’t make the grade, but I kept it. It was a face shot of a famous movie character. I did add some paper collage to the hair and felt that improved it, but left it alone after that. I think now, I will get it out and apply more mixed media to the piece. I really loved your second go on this one of yours. However, you have the original protected on your computer and you could generate more art or a different one entirely from segments from it later if you want. A win-win situation.
I liked the colors in the first one and the additions you’ve added in the second. As others have pointed out, it’s a great re-use of the canvas…and yet so much more as you add to it.
I liked the colors in the first one and the additions you’ve added in the second. As others have pointed out, it’s a great re-use of the canvas…and yet so much more as you add to it.
I liked the colors in the first one and the additions you’ve added in the second. As others have pointed out, it’s a great re-use of the canvas…and yet so much more as you add to it.
I liked the colors in the first one and the additions you’ve added in the second. As others have pointed out, it’s a great re-use of the canvas…and yet so much more as you add to it.
I liked the colors in the first one and the additions you’ve added in the second. As others have pointed out, it’s a great re-use of the canvas…and yet so much more as you add to it.
I liked the colors in the first one and the additions you’ve added in the second. As others have pointed out, it’s a great re-use of the canvas…and yet so much more as you add to it.
You have talked about this before and it really resonates with me. Now when I take a class I don’t worry so much about what I “finish” and try to get some new skills and techniques and use it as a base to build on. This is such a gorgeous example of what can happen!
You have talked about this before and it really resonates with me. Now when I take a class I don’t worry so much about what I “finish” and try to get some new skills and techniques and use it as a base to build on. This is such a gorgeous example of what can happen!
You have talked about this before and it really resonates with me. Now when I take a class I don’t worry so much about what I “finish” and try to get some new skills and techniques and use it as a base to build on. This is such a gorgeous example of what can happen!
You have talked about this before and it really resonates with me. Now when I take a class I don’t worry so much about what I “finish” and try to get some new skills and techniques and use it as a base to build on. This is such a gorgeous example of what can happen!
You have talked about this before and it really resonates with me. Now when I take a class I don’t worry so much about what I “finish” and try to get some new skills and techniques and use it as a base to build on. This is such a gorgeous example of what can happen!
You have talked about this before and it really resonates with me. Now when I take a class I don’t worry so much about what I “finish” and try to get some new skills and techniques and use it as a base to build on. This is such a gorgeous example of what can happen!