In 2012 (almost ten years ago), I painted this painting:
It has been sitting in my stash of paintings for almost a decade. Not good enough to sell. But kind of nostalgic for me because it represents the time period where I figured out how to go from painting faces like this…
…to something that actually looked like a real human.
Nonetheless, I felt like it was time to revisit the work and do a bit of analysis. So I grabbed my sketchbook. What worked? What didn't?
I decided that one of the major issues was that the composition was problematic. I could fix that be redoing the painting. But that seemed like a lot of work. Instead I decided to address the issues of color, style, and foreground/background. Here's what it looks like now:
It still has some issues. The composition still bothers me. The face got a little pudding-y without an actual human to model it from. Some of the light source stuff isn't right anymore (again, no model to look at). But I can see how much I've learned over the past few years. I can see my personal style is stronger. I can see how time + thoughtful and diligent practice make a difference. And I can see how easy it was for me to identify the problems — something I struggled with even five years ago.
I look forward to revisiting this painting a few years from now and seeing how I've changed and grown!
If right at this moment you're not where you want to be as an artist, don't fret.
The first step is to look back and see how far you've come. Yay you!
The second step is to educate yourself about art (materials, history, techniques, foundational principles). This is the step that most people want to skip because it's work. But I truly believe that it's worth the work.
And then all that's left is to practice and play. Have fun. Be yourself. Create a daily art habit, even if it's just 10 minutes a day! You can do it!
Thanks for stopping by!
I may not know a lot about the technical aspects of art, but I actually like the 2012 version of the painting a lot. Your style has definitely changed over the years, but I think you probably could have sold that painting in 2012 if you’d given it a try. I’ve found in my own work that there’s usually somebody, or a lot of somebodies, who love the pieces that I’m not crazy about. It doesn’t really matter to them if the pieces are perfect or technically correct.
I may not know a lot about the technical aspects of art, but I actually like the 2012 version of the painting a lot. Your style has definitely changed over the years, but I think you probably could have sold that painting in 2012 if you’d given it a try. I’ve found in my own work that there’s usually somebody, or a lot of somebodies, who love the pieces that I’m not crazy about. It doesn’t really matter to them if the pieces are perfect or technically correct.
I may not know a lot about the technical aspects of art, but I actually like the 2012 version of the painting a lot. Your style has definitely changed over the years, but I think you probably could have sold that painting in 2012 if you’d given it a try. I’ve found in my own work that there’s usually somebody, or a lot of somebodies, who love the pieces that I’m not crazy about. It doesn’t really matter to them if the pieces are perfect or technically correct.
I may not know a lot about the technical aspects of art, but I actually like the 2012 version of the painting a lot. Your style has definitely changed over the years, but I think you probably could have sold that painting in 2012 if you’d given it a try. I’ve found in my own work that there’s usually somebody, or a lot of somebodies, who love the pieces that I’m not crazy about. It doesn’t really matter to them if the pieces are perfect or technically correct.
I may not know a lot about the technical aspects of art, but I actually like the 2012 version of the painting a lot. Your style has definitely changed over the years, but I think you probably could have sold that painting in 2012 if you’d given it a try. I’ve found in my own work that there’s usually somebody, or a lot of somebodies, who love the pieces that I’m not crazy about. It doesn’t really matter to them if the pieces are perfect or technically correct.
I may not know a lot about the technical aspects of art, but I actually like the 2012 version of the painting a lot. Your style has definitely changed over the years, but I think you probably could have sold that painting in 2012 if you’d given it a try. I’ve found in my own work that there’s usually somebody, or a lot of somebodies, who love the pieces that I’m not crazy about. It doesn’t really matter to them if the pieces are perfect or technically correct.
I may not know a lot about the technical aspects of art, but I actually like the 2012 version of the painting a lot. Your style has definitely changed over the years, but I think you probably could have sold that painting in 2012 if you’d given it a try. I’ve found in my own work that there’s usually somebody, or a lot of somebodies, who love the pieces that I’m not crazy about. It doesn’t really matter to them if the pieces are perfect or technically correct.
Thanks for the encouragement. Ive always found that I need to trust myself more than other people when it comes to feeling that work is worthy. Otherwise too many people come into the studio with me. Know what I mean?
Thanks for the encouragement. Ive always found that I need to trust myself more than other people when it comes to feeling that work is worthy. Otherwise too many people come into the studio with me. Know what I mean?
Thanks for the encouragement. Ive always found that I need to trust myself more than other people when it comes to feeling that work is worthy. Otherwise too many people come into the studio with me. Know what I mean?
Thanks for the encouragement. Ive always found that I need to trust myself more than other people when it comes to feeling that work is worthy. Otherwise too many people come into the studio with me. Know what I mean?
Thanks for the encouragement. Ive always found that I need to trust myself more than other people when it comes to feeling that work is worthy. Otherwise too many people come into the studio with me. Know what I mean?
Thanks for the encouragement. Ive always found that I need to trust myself more than other people when it comes to feeling that work is worthy. Otherwise too many people come into the studio with me. Know what I mean?
Thanks for the encouragement. Ive always found that I need to trust myself more than other people when it comes to feeling that work is worthy. Otherwise too many people come into the studio with me. Know what I mean?
Yes! I can still tell it’s you but I think the color mixing and subtleties, and technique are stronger in the newer evolution. I see what you mean about the composition, though. For me, if she’s looking to the right, I’d rather see her more towards the left, with more space in front of her gaze than behind her head. One thing I did like about the older one, was the second head peering out from behind towards the left. I can’t wait to see the next installment.
Yes! I can still tell it’s you but I think the color mixing and subtleties, and technique are stronger in the newer evolution. I see what you mean about the composition, though. For me, if she’s looking to the right, I’d rather see her more towards the left, with more space in front of her gaze than behind her head. One thing I did like about the older one, was the second head peering out from behind towards the left. I can’t wait to see the next installment.
Yes! I can still tell it’s you but I think the color mixing and subtleties, and technique are stronger in the newer evolution. I see what you mean about the composition, though. For me, if she’s looking to the right, I’d rather see her more towards the left, with more space in front of her gaze than behind her head. One thing I did like about the older one, was the second head peering out from behind towards the left. I can’t wait to see the next installment.
Yes! I can still tell it’s you but I think the color mixing and subtleties, and technique are stronger in the newer evolution. I see what you mean about the composition, though. For me, if she’s looking to the right, I’d rather see her more towards the left, with more space in front of her gaze than behind her head. One thing I did like about the older one, was the second head peering out from behind towards the left. I can’t wait to see the next installment.
Yes! I can still tell it’s you but I think the color mixing and subtleties, and technique are stronger in the newer evolution. I see what you mean about the composition, though. For me, if she’s looking to the right, I’d rather see her more towards the left, with more space in front of her gaze than behind her head. One thing I did like about the older one, was the second head peering out from behind towards the left. I can’t wait to see the next installment.
Yes! I can still tell it’s you but I think the color mixing and subtleties, and technique are stronger in the newer evolution. I see what you mean about the composition, though. For me, if she’s looking to the right, I’d rather see her more towards the left, with more space in front of her gaze than behind her head. One thing I did like about the older one, was the second head peering out from behind towards the left. I can’t wait to see the next installment.
Yes! I can still tell it’s you but I think the color mixing and subtleties, and technique are stronger in the newer evolution. I see what you mean about the composition, though. For me, if she’s looking to the right, I’d rather see her more towards the left, with more space in front of her gaze than behind her head. One thing I did like about the older one, was the second head peering out from behind towards the left. I can’t wait to see the next installment.
It is worth the work. I have been doing a Visual Arts course as a mature aged student ( I am fifty years older than some of the students)at a Senior High School Campus in Australia. It has reinforced what I already knew and I have gained new skills in Ceramics, Printmaking, Drawing and Painting. It has also opened the gate to working with other artists in the community where we created artworks for a public art space alongside a walking/cycle path. Our works are accessible by QR codes attached to plinths along the walk. The Gallery goes live later this month. The second project starts next week and is similar in nature although the setting is at a Bush Forever site.
I have made time to sketch or do something creative every day for the last 6 years. I have gone from being barely able to draw a cube to being confident and proficient enough to tackle anything.
It is worth the work. I have been doing a Visual Arts course as a mature aged student ( I am fifty years older than some of the students)at a Senior High School Campus in Australia. It has reinforced what I already knew and I have gained new skills in Ceramics, Printmaking, Drawing and Painting. It has also opened the gate to working with other artists in the community where we created artworks for a public art space alongside a walking/cycle path. Our works are accessible by QR codes attached to plinths along the walk. The Gallery goes live later this month. The second project starts next week and is similar in nature although the setting is at a Bush Forever site.
I have made time to sketch or do something creative every day for the last 6 years. I have gone from being barely able to draw a cube to being confident and proficient enough to tackle anything.
It is worth the work. I have been doing a Visual Arts course as a mature aged student ( I am fifty years older than some of the students)at a Senior High School Campus in Australia. It has reinforced what I already knew and I have gained new skills in Ceramics, Printmaking, Drawing and Painting. It has also opened the gate to working with other artists in the community where we created artworks for a public art space alongside a walking/cycle path. Our works are accessible by QR codes attached to plinths along the walk. The Gallery goes live later this month. The second project starts next week and is similar in nature although the setting is at a Bush Forever site.
I have made time to sketch or do something creative every day for the last 6 years. I have gone from being barely able to draw a cube to being confident and proficient enough to tackle anything.
It is worth the work. I have been doing a Visual Arts course as a mature aged student ( I am fifty years older than some of the students)at a Senior High School Campus in Australia. It has reinforced what I already knew and I have gained new skills in Ceramics, Printmaking, Drawing and Painting. It has also opened the gate to working with other artists in the community where we created artworks for a public art space alongside a walking/cycle path. Our works are accessible by QR codes attached to plinths along the walk. The Gallery goes live later this month. The second project starts next week and is similar in nature although the setting is at a Bush Forever site.
I have made time to sketch or do something creative every day for the last 6 years. I have gone from being barely able to draw a cube to being confident and proficient enough to tackle anything.
It is worth the work. I have been doing a Visual Arts course as a mature aged student ( I am fifty years older than some of the students)at a Senior High School Campus in Australia. It has reinforced what I already knew and I have gained new skills in Ceramics, Printmaking, Drawing and Painting. It has also opened the gate to working with other artists in the community where we created artworks for a public art space alongside a walking/cycle path. Our works are accessible by QR codes attached to plinths along the walk. The Gallery goes live later this month. The second project starts next week and is similar in nature although the setting is at a Bush Forever site.
I have made time to sketch or do something creative every day for the last 6 years. I have gone from being barely able to draw a cube to being confident and proficient enough to tackle anything.
It is worth the work. I have been doing a Visual Arts course as a mature aged student ( I am fifty years older than some of the students)at a Senior High School Campus in Australia. It has reinforced what I already knew and I have gained new skills in Ceramics, Printmaking, Drawing and Painting. It has also opened the gate to working with other artists in the community where we created artworks for a public art space alongside a walking/cycle path. Our works are accessible by QR codes attached to plinths along the walk. The Gallery goes live later this month. The second project starts next week and is similar in nature although the setting is at a Bush Forever site.
I have made time to sketch or do something creative every day for the last 6 years. I have gone from being barely able to draw a cube to being confident and proficient enough to tackle anything.
It is worth the work. I have been doing a Visual Arts course as a mature aged student ( I am fifty years older than some of the students)at a Senior High School Campus in Australia. It has reinforced what I already knew and I have gained new skills in Ceramics, Printmaking, Drawing and Painting. It has also opened the gate to working with other artists in the community where we created artworks for a public art space alongside a walking/cycle path. Our works are accessible by QR codes attached to plinths along the walk. The Gallery goes live later this month. The second project starts next week and is similar in nature although the setting is at a Bush Forever site.
I have made time to sketch or do something creative every day for the last 6 years. I have gone from being barely able to draw a cube to being confident and proficient enough to tackle anything.
Aside from the collage pieces that you do and the post cards and the cards, I would like to purchase one of your paintings but don’t know where to find them.
Any answers for me ?
Aside from the collage pieces that you do and the post cards and the cards, I would like to purchase one of your paintings but don’t know where to find them.
Any answers for me ?
Aside from the collage pieces that you do and the post cards and the cards, I would like to purchase one of your paintings but don’t know where to find them.
Any answers for me ?
Aside from the collage pieces that you do and the post cards and the cards, I would like to purchase one of your paintings but don’t know where to find them.
Any answers for me ?
Aside from the collage pieces that you do and the post cards and the cards, I would like to purchase one of your paintings but don’t know where to find them.
Any answers for me ?
Aside from the collage pieces that you do and the post cards and the cards, I would like to purchase one of your paintings but don’t know where to find them.
Any answers for me ?
Aside from the collage pieces that you do and the post cards and the cards, I would like to purchase one of your paintings but don’t know where to find them.
Any answers for me ?
I like the defiant look in the 2012 painting. Some real emotion there. I would not know if there was an issue with that painting actually.
I like the defiant look in the 2012 painting. Some real emotion there. I would not know if there was an issue with that painting actually.
I like the defiant look in the 2012 painting. Some real emotion there. I would not know if there was an issue with that painting actually.
I like the defiant look in the 2012 painting. Some real emotion there. I would not know if there was an issue with that painting actually.
I like the defiant look in the 2012 painting. Some real emotion there. I would not know if there was an issue with that painting actually.
I like the defiant look in the 2012 painting. Some real emotion there. I would not know if there was an issue with that painting actually.
I like the defiant look in the 2012 painting. Some real emotion there. I would not know if there was an issue with that painting actually.
I dont generally post canvases online because shipping is so insanely expensive. Even within the US, it can be $100+ for shipping. Any chance youre local to the Boston area?
I dont generally post canvases online because shipping is so insanely expensive. Even within the US, it can be $100+ for shipping. Any chance youre local to the Boston area?
I dont generally post canvases online because shipping is so insanely expensive. Even within the US, it can be $100+ for shipping. Any chance youre local to the Boston area?
I dont generally post canvases online because shipping is so insanely expensive. Even within the US, it can be $100+ for shipping. Any chance youre local to the Boston area?
I dont generally post canvases online because shipping is so insanely expensive. Even within the US, it can be $100+ for shipping. Any chance youre local to the Boston area?
I dont generally post canvases online because shipping is so insanely expensive. Even within the US, it can be $100+ for shipping. Any chance youre local to the Boston area?
I dont generally post canvases online because shipping is so insanely expensive. Even within the US, it can be $100+ for shipping. Any chance youre local to the Boston area?
YAY! Congratulations!!!
YAY! Congratulations!!!
YAY! Congratulations!!!
YAY! Congratulations!!!
YAY! Congratulations!!!
YAY! Congratulations!!!
YAY! Congratulations!!!
Thanks, Ellen!
Thanks, Ellen!
Thanks, Ellen!
Thanks, Ellen!
Thanks, Ellen!
Thanks, Ellen!
Thanks, Ellen!
Can I just say that I have been following you for so many years through so many life changes, and I just adore you! You are a quality teacher, who works hard, has sustained this practice or art making, expansive social media platform, and educating for a long time. I so enjoy and look forward to all of you posts. Yay you!!
Can I just say that I have been following you for so many years through so many life changes, and I just adore you! You are a quality teacher, who works hard, has sustained this practice or art making, expansive social media platform, and educating for a long time. I so enjoy and look forward to all of you posts. Yay you!!
Can I just say that I have been following you for so many years through so many life changes, and I just adore you! You are a quality teacher, who works hard, has sustained this practice or art making, expansive social media platform, and educating for a long time. I so enjoy and look forward to all of you posts. Yay you!!
Can I just say that I have been following you for so many years through so many life changes, and I just adore you! You are a quality teacher, who works hard, has sustained this practice or art making, expansive social media platform, and educating for a long time. I so enjoy and look forward to all of you posts. Yay you!!
Can I just say that I have been following you for so many years through so many life changes, and I just adore you! You are a quality teacher, who works hard, has sustained this practice or art making, expansive social media platform, and educating for a long time. I so enjoy and look forward to all of you posts. Yay you!!
Can I just say that I have been following you for so many years through so many life changes, and I just adore you! You are a quality teacher, who works hard, has sustained this practice or art making, expansive social media platform, and educating for a long time. I so enjoy and look forward to all of you posts. Yay you!!
Can I just say that I have been following you for so many years through so many life changes, and I just adore you! You are a quality teacher, who works hard, has sustained this practice or art making, expansive social media platform, and educating for a long time. I so enjoy and look forward to all of you posts. Yay you!!
That is very kind of you to say and much appreciated!
That is very kind of you to say and much appreciated!
That is very kind of you to say and much appreciated!
That is very kind of you to say and much appreciated!
That is very kind of you to say and much appreciated!
That is very kind of you to say and much appreciated!
That is very kind of you to say and much appreciated!
Great job! I liked the original, too.
Great job! I liked the original, too.
Great job! I liked the original, too.
Great job! I liked the original, too.
Great job! I liked the original, too.
Great job! I liked the original, too.
Great job! I liked the original, too.