Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Day 13 - Torturous Road

 
I hadn't intended to do another abstract today. I had planned to do a semi-abstract, and having been out for much of the day I was running out of time. I began painting at 5.15pm. I had decided it would be quick and easy to revisit a painting I had done from memory of the ocean at sunset a couple of years ago.
Things started badly - very badly.
 
 
And promptly got worse!

 
It made my original mediocre attempt look like a masterpiece.
 
 
I decided to cover it up with gesso and more paint.

 
 I almost liked it, then I added more paint. And hated it.

 
I scraped it back to the bone and began again.

 
Still hated it.
 
I covered it with Gesso and smeared it to a light purple cover. I began to scrape it back again with the intention of starting fresh with something more realistic. But when this appeared I kind of liked it - and it was time to cook dinner so it would have to do!
 
 
I think my dreams of abstract painting glory are over! I felt a bit demoralised today after feeling quite excited about my first two. But really, This challenge should be seen as a jolly adventure so I mustn't get too precious about the outcomes.
Anyhoo, I hope to continue with the palette knife for the middle third of the challenge. So I will see what tomorrow brings.
 
To check out what others are painting during the challenge click here
 
 
 

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25 comments:

  1. Sami13 January 2016 at 05:25

    I think abstracts are hard to paint... I've never attempted one!
    But I like the outcome anyway.

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    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett13 January 2016 at 05:40

      Thanks Sami. I do believe you are right that they are difficult!

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  2. Sue Marrazzo Fine Art13 January 2016 at 05:29

    Thanks for sharing all this!
    All the best in the challenge!

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  3. Unknown13 January 2016 at 05:31

    I like the end result, even if it took a bit of 'demoralizing' to get there...it's sort of the way it goes with abstract painting.

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  4. Wendy Barrett13 January 2016 at 05:52

    Thanks for your encouragement Sally! Just about to check out your latest for the challenge!

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  5. Chris Lally13 January 2016 at 07:46

    You're probably feeling what most artists feel pretty often during the challenge. Good for you for putting it out there! Keep looking up.

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  6. Barbara Muir13 January 2016 at 09:56

    I liked so many of these efforts it surprised me that it was so hard for you. The second to the last one is wonderful, and of course so is the final version. It's comforting to know that other people agonize over their work! I absolutely love your book, and all the other work here. I see that I've missed a lot.

    XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

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    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett15 January 2016 at 00:10

      You are very kind Barbara! I admit I had thought the second last may have been ok, but it got the thumbs down from the first person I showed it to. I have decided to trust my own instincts from here on in. Art is so subjective so I may as well please myself!

      Delete
  7. Lorraine Brown13 January 2016 at 15:33

    the journey to creating magic, all this experimenting and not giving up has worked for you Wendy

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  8. art by Michael Perchard13 January 2016 at 18:15

    No! Don't you dare stop! I so believe that the painting will almost direct itself! It just may not be ready when you want it to be! I so love seeing your struggle! I think the process is what art is all about! So glad you took photos of the various stages! I love the different stages for totally different reasons! The last purple piece is magnificent! Well worth the struggle! Thank you Wendy for sharing your process with us! Bravo buddy! Never ever ever ever ever stop painting!
    I so love Pablo Picasso's quote, "Have an idea when you start your painting but make it a vague idea!" Bravo!!
    Your So Very Happy Lover Of Wendy Barrett's Abstract Art Buddy!
    Michael

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    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett15 January 2016 at 00:12

      Thanks so much for your enthusiasm Michael. You are very encouraging and I will do as you say and not stop!:)Your bold, colourful work is a great inspiration!
      Your art cobber,
      Wendy

      Delete
  9. Margaret D13 January 2016 at 19:52

    Magic, the different looks as you paint.

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  10. Sheila14 January 2016 at 11:17

    I love that you shared your failed attempts! I have wanted to do abstracts... but they turn out so awful. High five for taking them on :) I liked the one you "almost liked". You are right, it was almost there. And the final, I think is wonderful. It makes me think of Sue Marazzo's from yesterday I believe (13th). Makes me think of watery reflections. there is movement in the water, and what you catch a glimpse of is just light, shadows, colors. I think this is an awesome save!

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    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett15 January 2016 at 00:14

      You are very kind Sheila! I'm so glad you like it!

      Delete
  11. Jennifer Rose14 January 2016 at 14:01

    really like this :) nice colours and great texture to it :)

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  12. Karen Johnston Daily Paintings14 January 2016 at 20:01

    Good for you Wendy! I find abstracts so hard, you are brave!! It is very creative painting this way!!

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    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett15 January 2016 at 00:17

      Thanks so much Karen. Yes, it has been very daunting trying something radically different and posting so the whole world can see. But I guess if I can't do it during a challenge, then when?
      Love your sheep paintings!

      Delete
  13. Joan Tavolott15 January 2016 at 07:17

    I love watching and seeing how you kept transforming this! I love how brave you are to just change it so drastically each time. Good for you!

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  14. Debbie Nolan16 January 2016 at 10:58

    Good fun Wendy to see how you finally arrived at this abstract. In the end you carried it off very well friend.

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