Hi Friends,
What’s that saying — if you’re not failing you’re not trying?
I was working on several layered and sanded paintings this week that were not coming together. It seemed like the more I worked on them the worse they got, and the darkness of the pieces was beginning to weigh on me. Here’s a couple in progress, just to show you how problematic they are.
Rather than waste more time on these, I decided to switch gears and do something different. I needed light, and the best way to create something light and airy is my flow paintings.
My idea for the triptych below was a mystical far off land in the mist. Somehow it turned out to be very low contrast, which was not my intent, but it looks really good in a brightly lit room. In bright light the colors look almost fluorescent.
“Never Never Land,” triptych, 30 x 45 inches, repurposed acrylic latex paint on canvas
After that I stepped up the contrast a bit, and did this piece, still on the mystical theme. It’s somewhat subtle, but you can see more shapes and forms.
“Bloom Where You’re Planted,” 24 x 24 inches, repurposed acrylic latex paint on canvas
And lastly I created this piece. Still subtle, and the design and colors are beautiful.
“Break Away,” 24 x 24 inches, repurposed acrylic latex paint on canvas
It’s hard to allow myself to make mistakes. It’s disappointing when my paintings don’t work out as planned, but if I don’t make mistakes, I never learn or grow. Mistakes are part of the process. It’s the journey that’s more important than the end result. We learn about ourselves through our mistakes.
Where do you allow yourself mistakes? I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts. You can share them with us in the comments section below.
With love and appreciation,
Cassandra
In creative endeavours, there are no mistakes – only stepping stones and opportunities. (Or so I like to think!)
Very good, Cathy! You’re so right. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I think too, that what we perceive sometimes as mistakes at the time, do turn into learning opportunities. It is our mindset that sometimes needs adjustment. Or back to the ‘step away’ , give some distance and time to ge5 a new perspective. Love the flow painting!!
Good point, Ann. I often have to step away for a while, and when I come back, the pieces don’t look so bad!
It is so lovely that you can stand back and take so many lessons from your art. You are an inspiration! Thank you for always sharing
Thanks, Susan! I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I suppose you can extrapolate life lessons from almost anything!