Incomplete Work: Boston Ducks
Incomplete Work: Boston Ducks
Saturday, January 30, 2010
I’ve not been feeling well this week and have disappointedly let my blog fall to the way side for seven days. I usually like to post with completed works but I thought, out of the interest in putting in an entry, that I’d post on some works in progress for the time being.
I did not have much time to paint this week and in the few hours that I did have to work on this painting...I must say, they did not help clarify it for me. I originally started a Boston Duckling painting back when I made the CITGO Boston painting instead. My brush led me in an entirely different direction and I happily followed. This time around, I really wanted to follow through with the Boston Ducklings, but again, I get a strong dislike for the work right after getting my initial sketch onto the canvas.
Often, when I start a work, I have a vague idea in my head what I want it to look like. I’ve been confused with the ducks because I’m waiting for the moment of clarity to hit me and say, “ah, ha, this is exactly how it should be!” But that has not come yet so I have a painting right now of moderate composition, a disarray of a color palette, and no true feeling. I am definitely learning that you can’t PUSH art. If not feeling a work, it is very hard to actually sit down, make it cohesive, and be happy. So I may let this work rest in the meantime.
Above is the current photo that I have. I have been exploring shadows, colors, shape, and background. We will see what comes of this...perhaps it would have been interesting to show my progress photos up to this point. I did not take any because I found this work so unsatisfactory. Anyways....here it is....
Left: Boston Ducklings in progress
Below: The inspiration.