Monday, June 29, 2009

Work in Progress- Harvest Home at a stand still








When I do art shows or classes, people always ask me about my process. They are curious about where my ideas come from and how I go about making my art. In the past I have written many a blog post about where the spark comes from, how I get from point A to point B.

Today, Day 1 of my staycation, I am stuck some where in between the A and the B. I started this project,Harvest Home, several months ago, when I got it in my head that I wanted to college on canvas, which is something I have never done before. I was all gung-ho when I started- but after about three hours in, I gave up. It stopped "speaking to me." I wonder how many of my other artist friends have abandoned art sitting/hanging in their studio.

I decided last week that I was ready to finish Harvest Home. This poor piece. Maybe I should have started smaller? Three canvases that tie together is proving very challenging. I also don't like shininess of the gel medium transfers. On this large scale, the have stretched a little and the ripples are catching the light in unwanted places. And the texture and color balance is not quite where I want it to be. I am grappling with the idea of adding a layer of paint to it, maybe do some peeling paint. None of the found objects are secured down yet, so I can do that.

The piece is sitting on the living floor- waiting for me to do something with it. I am taking a break from it, hoping that inspiration will come flooding in. Maybe the best thing is to start all over again. Thoughts? words of advice? consolation? any feedback is welcome....

4 comments:

Artsnark said...

no advice but can sympathize. Many unfinished pieces hanging around here too - just not enough hours in a day!

Good luck with the shine - you'll do something magical in the end ;D

Patti Edmon Artist said...

much of your work has a focal point and all three pieces have an abundance of visual, tactile interest, but my eye keeps scanning across the three panels. what about something that stands out in the center or an element that unites all three canvases - wire?
who am I to say?! That's not an 'educated' opinion, just an idea... I love your work!

Anonymous said...

You have beautiful work, and you've been creating long enough that I think your inspiration will come back to you. The past is always endlessly inspiring, as you are to others.

Mehrasax www.navare.etsy.com

Jo Archer said...

I'm in the same position! I'm entering some pieces for an exhibition, so decided to try a collage on a big canvas. It's based on Poe's, The Raven. Got some great ideas, cool images, new techniques, but it just looks dull when I lay it out. It's been sitting there for days, smirking at me! If the mojo to bring it all together doesn't work soon, I'll abandon it.
Hope you fare better. I doubt whether your muse has gone for long; you also do something fabulous.