Well, not comparing yourself to others is a good thing - sometimes. But comparing ourselves to others often causes us to strive to be better; or to just be happy we are where we are. A double-edged sword, I guess, if you see yourself as "not good enough" and others "so much better". So we won't go there.
But I will show you the landscape at this stage - a copy of the one Christopher Leeper did in our workshop last month.
My version is not finished, but there really is no comparison. I don't think I'll take the time to finish it off because I'm not happy with it and feel that would be a waste of time.
I don't need to tell you that this version is the one done by Chris, do I? ha ha
I think I will try this one again, looking at only the finished version Chris did, rather than looking at all the stages he went through to get to this. Isn't the light on this just gorgeous? Someday I will get there!
Right now, I'm just learning learning learning (seems like this learning thing is going to last my whole life! ha ha).
But today my class comes to the house and we work on the acrylic ink paintings (finishing those up) and the peppers in two techniques. (Should I be ashamed that I'm teaching beginning students when I often paint so poorly myself? Sometimes I think I should! But I have only done a few landscapes - they just confuse me and I don't have the practice under my belt - but give me a macro flower or a crow or even a portrait or figure painting (just not architecture and landscapes) and I think I've come a long way in less than 10 years. Perhaps it's like knowing how to play the guitar and then being given a violin and told to play it? Music is the same, if you read music, but not the same at all in the difference in the instruments. Oh, well...
But I will show you the landscape at this stage - a copy of the one Christopher Leeper did in our workshop last month.
My version is not finished, but there really is no comparison. I don't think I'll take the time to finish it off because I'm not happy with it and feel that would be a waste of time.
I don't need to tell you that this version is the one done by Chris, do I? ha ha
I think I will try this one again, looking at only the finished version Chris did, rather than looking at all the stages he went through to get to this. Isn't the light on this just gorgeous? Someday I will get there!
Right now, I'm just learning learning learning (seems like this learning thing is going to last my whole life! ha ha).
But today my class comes to the house and we work on the acrylic ink paintings (finishing those up) and the peppers in two techniques. (Should I be ashamed that I'm teaching beginning students when I often paint so poorly myself? Sometimes I think I should! But I have only done a few landscapes - they just confuse me and I don't have the practice under my belt - but give me a macro flower or a crow or even a portrait or figure painting (just not architecture and landscapes) and I think I've come a long way in less than 10 years. Perhaps it's like knowing how to play the guitar and then being given a violin and told to play it? Music is the same, if you read music, but not the same at all in the difference in the instruments. Oh, well...
8 comments:
Love that anaolgy Rhonda. Happy Thanksgiving.
I think you are way too critical of yourself. You are doing wonderful work and the fact that you keep doing it and learning is the most important thing. It is about the journey, not the final destination! And as for teaching...I think teachers are learning just as much as the students in all interactions. If it helps, think of yourself as a facilitator who is creating opportunities for others to explore their creativity just as you are. Grow and learn together. :)
What a really good, honest post Rhonda, I have exactly the same feelings about teaching a class myself!! But some painting I do well as you do and I also have a lot to share on painting in general so I accept there are some areas I could be better at and that gives me something else to strive for.....I too often find I can copy better by simply looking at the finished piece then trying it my way. I also think it does take a long time to master watercolours and we will be better at some subjects than others, that is until we decide to master the particular subject which "scares" us....it just needs more practice and then we will reach a level of expertise in that area as well.... honest!!!
Hi Rhonda, may I make a suggestion? The drawing in your version is all there and you've done it very well. Before you abandon it maybe it would be worth washing off some of the pigment until a ghost image is left then re-stretching and carrying on. I've saved a few paintings in this way and I think looking at the colours that you have used this might work well for this one. - you might not have an exact copy but it will develop and become more 'Rhonda'. Just my tuppence worth, I think it would be a shame to lose it.
Thanks so much, Carol, Tina, Judith and Lisa! So much good stuff in your posts and such support! Tina, I love your idea of calling myself a facilitator, instead of a teacher - I offer information I've gathered through the years and help them with what I know and let them express themselves as they see fit!
Lisa, I think I may just try this - wash it down to a ghost and see if I can still paint on it, trying with a lighter hand and using the final painting as a guide - can't hurt and all it will take it time to wash it back down! Thanks, again, all of you, for your comments on this post :)
I so agree with washing your painting down. the green is a lot but you have the feel for it all. Just adding some detail to the big tree and defineing your shadows I think will save it too. It has a really nice feel about it. And plus when it's not side by side with someones work you admire, it will grow on you as your own.
peace n abundance,
CheyAnne
www.cheyannesexton.etsy.com
I agree with Lisa but if I am truthful, I can honestly say that I really like what you have going on in this one, Rhonda. I love the colors and for me the only issue is something missing between house and barn in the distance. I'd love to see you finish this one.
Thanks so much, CheyAnn and Sherry - unfortunately I didn't let it sit a while and went back in a washed it off and started over - but it didn't work out. In the round bin now and I will have to try again, perhaps on rough paper this time.
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