I’m something of a perfectionist. Perhaps this is why my painting style is generally more realistic than impressionistic. And I LOVE impressionist art - I am blown away by artists (like Erin Hanson - swoon) who can paint this way. I just can’t seem to do it.
I’ve tried and tried to create “looser” works of art, but I typically end up getting detailed anyways. I start off with some reference photo and try to create an impression, but I’m inevitably zooming in on details and letting the photo guide my every move. Perhaps I shouldn’t fight this. I am what I am!
But some days, I just don’t feel like being so meticulous. I want to be free and splashy and see what happens. NEARLY every time I do this, I don’t actually like the art I create. I sometimes use colors I wouldn’t normally be drawn to. I paint weird or dark abstract things. I’d never hang this art on my walls. It’s ugly.
Many of these paintings end up painted over; the others are shoved in a drawer or in the closet. But these “ugly” paintings are still an expression of me - or of what’s inside of me on those days.
There is joy and freedom in having no reference at all, and slapping some paint on a canvas with no idea what you’re about to make.
I may not necessarily “like” these ugly paintings - and I assume no one else would either - but they are just as important to my development as an artist as the “pretty” paintings.
So…without further ado - here is a snapshot of some of the weird crap I create when I’m not focused on turquoise and sunshine and flowers and palm trees. Ok, fine, there are still flowers.
