Art can be a frustrating business. Have I written this before? I have a major feeling of déjà vu going on right this moment. Finding art is fun when your head is full of ideas and every paint stroke produces a magical interaction with the page. Finding art is not fun when you find yourself mentally maxed out and you “hate everything” you produce.
In an age of digital perfection it is easy to forget that there is a human behind every image you see. The success of that image is directly linked to the hopes, feelings and dreams of that individual. We are controlled by our brains and they in turn control the movement of every muscle and I’m sure that is reflected in every artists work. It is certainly reflected in mine.
For example – I had worked… no labored over a piece for weeks – fretting over every color selection, working and re-working the design. I followed all the “rules” and I carefully transferred the design to my watercolor paper. I studied insects and mushrooms and skies and leaves and bark and dirt. The result was a dull piece that fostered almost no commentary or complements. Then one day during my lunch period I scribbled off a quick drawing of a butterfly and sloshed paint on top of it. It was purely an exercise to take up some time and have some fun. This sketch got more positive feedback than I had previously received on anything.
Go figure. Art may be found but it will not be tamed.
Butterfly sketch in Watercolor
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