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| 'Marsh Secrets' 8x10 pastel ©Karen Margulis available $145 |
The artist expressed frustration and disappointment with the paintings they were doing despite studying and daily practice. Still their paintings were not turning out like they envisioned. I remember very clearly those same feelings. I remember looking at my paintings and wondering why they didn't match the pictures in my head! I was determined to paint better and I worked hard but I had to let go of my impatience and just enjoy the journey.
I put the advice I gave myself and to the artist into words and I'd like to share them with you. And the painting in today's post....it is a rework of an old painting from my days of frustration. See the original below. I bet you can critique it! It was a good feeling to rework it with the knowledge I have gained over the years.
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| The original painting done in 2006 or so |
Advice to a Frustrated Artist
You have the tools....you see value. You have color sense, you have the technique of mark making with pastels. Now you just need patience and perseverance and practice. The more you paint without pressure to perform the more fun you will have and the sooner it will all come together. I do have some advice.....you need to paint what moves you. It is great to have the ability to copy but you want to express your own ideas. To do that you have to have ideas and subjects that you are passionate about. Pick something and practice painting that. When you paint what you love your own voice with come through. I understand your frustration and disappointment but with practice and time it will all become intuitive. It is more important that you take the pressure off of yourself and enjoy the journey. Embrace where you are at this moment.
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| a little marsh surprise |
2 comments:
When I have been involved in any activity which included performance, of any sort, I have failed. This is especially true about drawing and painting. I love the doing but dread the self recriminations following. Your kindly reminder of success will come through process, process and more process hit home. I keep on painting but have never showed my work. I have been painting for over 50 years with many very good workshops and a B.F.A. and still wait for some success. Why do I still paint? I simply must paint. It is a driving presence in my body, mind, and soul. I fear some never see success......because they are afraid to be seen.
alexia
Such thoughtful and sincere advice to be printed out and taken to heart. Sounds familiar. ;) Thank you Karen for all you do. ♡
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