This happens every time I finish a painting which I had been working on for a long time. Especially if that painting turned out well. The question of " What do I do next?" always pops up. Thoughts like " Do I do something quick and small just to knock something out?... Do I just paint one for fun?... Should I try experimenting with some new style or approach?... Do I try to top the last one? How would I do that? What should it be, landscape, still life? If so, what flowers are in bloom? Would my wife notice if I took her new tea pot from the hutch for an arrangement?
These are important questions that take time , deep analysis, meditation.... But,
what really happens..... I go ask my arranger/wife for an idea.
Norman Rockwell's "Artist Facing Blank Canvas"
I'm glad I not the only one who has ever been up against this question...I think I am in good Company.
10 comments:
When I saw you photo of you I had to LOL. Been there, done that. But not after such a wonderful painting as you just completed. I loved the Japanese theme and the beautiful and unusual color palette.
You'll find the right thing.
Thanks for the Rockwell, too.
How funny... I wear the same shoes to paint in! They are very comfortable for standing those long hours in front of the easel... and such a "lovely, real" shade of green!!
I really appreciate this post. I just finished a painting that I'm very proud of and those were exactly my thoughts....."Now what?" I think every artist goes through this, and it's not always so easy to work out the next painting. The most important thing is to jump in and do it...not to contemplate too long or that white canvas starts to become more forbidding with each day!
How perfect, how true. Loved the photo of yourself illustrated along side of the and the Rockwell image!
remember that self portrait series you did...? (I really loved that) ...I vote you embark on another self-administered daily project thang. Get Mrs. Yesis to assign the subject matter. Love your green shoes.
I've got mirrors all over my studio for just this reason. If I don't have a commission or an interesting subject ready, I turn to the mirror.
Asking the wife seems like a good idea.
Also... am I seeing this right: Are you using a pink ground?
You speak a universal truth for painters. In my case, I can do a few "quickies" but need to get deeply involved in a piece that requires something more than just copying an image. I'm there now trying to search for something meaningful to ME.
I would do the self portrait using the photo you took for reference in the spirt of Rockwell. We need to get together sometime!!! It seems like forever since we've seen you guys.
Ha!Ha! Yeah, you do a good Rockwell. As for the dilema, you know how fortunate you are to have that "arranger/wife" thing going for you, right?
I kind of like the picture below.
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