About thirty minutes later, I went back to continue the process. Another layer down. More waiting.
I went back to it and grunted. Ugh. I shook my head at the mess on the paper in front of me and continued on. Watercolors. They have taught me patience. It is a timely process. Unlike acrylics or oils, the more you paint, the wetter and more clouded the colors become. This can work in your favor, but it can also work against you. I was at the point in my painting that I like to define as “the YUCK stage.” It’s usually about three-quarters of the way through the process, when I feel like I’ve over-painted and turned the image to mush. This is the point in the process for me that I either make it, or break it. It’s the turning point of the piece…. When it can become something fabulous, or simply a mess of muddled, washed-out colors most likely ending up in the trash can.
As I leaned over my piece, at times, my face mere inches from the paper, I reached for my smaller brushes and began gently painting in the details of the image. This is where the magic happens. It goes from yucky mush, to a beautiful image…seemingly right before my eyes. Although, in reality, it’s usually a two to three hour process to make this last bit of magic happen. I also often to get a stiff neck, a sore back and cramping in my hands as I tend to forget how long I’ve been perched in the same position. I lean back from the piece, lean it up against the wall, and take several steps back, squinting my eyes at it. My husband saw me do this recently and asked, “What’s wrong with your eyes? Why are you squinting?” I laughed. “It helps me see the lights and darks better. When I squint, I block out the detail and subtle colors, and focus on the dark and light of the painting and how the image moves across the paper.”
Up close. Far away. Both views are necessary. Taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture as well as getting caught up in all of the fine detail helps me to create a better work of art. I think that simple act rings true for all of our lives. Both steps are necessary to complete and create the most accurate picture. Sometimes, one way works better than the other, but often, using both methods creates the best outcome. My paintings are very much like anything we deal with in our lives. They are built on layers. At first, you look at the overall image. But as you continue to stare, my hope is that the colors pull you in, inviting you to see more and more…until finally you are left with a new emotion, mood or image in your mind. Art is cool that way. Everyone can see something different.
The same goes for my writing. I love telling stories. To friends, to family, about anything! I’m not particular…whether it’s my rundown of the latest episode of Vampire Diaries, or my latest run-in with my favorite band (insert shameless plug for the Killer Flamingos here), I love, love, love telling stories. I also love to paint and cook and create and workout. Here’s what’s really cool about all of these things…I get to take a bunch of different ingredients, mix them all up, and make something unique and different out of it. Whether it’s food, a story, or my own self... I’m creating something special!
The whole idea of painting your life in layers reminds me of a classic movie… can you guess which one? I’ll give you a hint:
Shrek: “Ogres are like onions!”
Donkey: “They stink?”
Shrek: “Yes... No!”
Donkey: “Oh, they make you cry?”
Shrek: “No!”
Donkey: “Oh, you leave 'em out in the sun, they get all brown, start sproutin' little white hairs...”
Shrek: “NO! Layers. Onions have layers. Ogres have layers. Onions have layers. You get it? We both have layers.”
Donkey: “Oh, you both have LAYERS. Oh. You know, not everybody like onions. What about cake? Everybody loves cake!”
(Sigh…I love dessert!) But back to my story…As I said, I am all about telling stories…either with a paintbrush, my MOUTH, or a keyboard. I don’t think people get too interested in reading unless there’s a good story involved. What’s the hook? What draws you in? There’s got to be a story, or you lose interest. (Or, should I say, I lose interest.) When I write, I envision the reader getting sucked into my story more and more with each word they read. The more they read, the closer they move to the edge of their seat, leaning closer into the screen to see where the next word will take them…until finally, they reach the end of the ride, with hopefully a satisfied smile or an inspired thought to carry them into the next moment of their day. Just as when you look at one of my paintings, I hope you see the image, but are then taken on a visual journey to the layers underneath, creating a beauty of its own.
Now, imagine yourself in one of my stories or paintings. You are created of layers and each of your layers may take some time to develop…some requiring more work than others. Maybe you need to be less judgmental. Maybe you need to learn to open your mouth and speak up. Or, maybe you need to learn to when to keep it closed. Maybe you need to be more sympathetic. Maybe you need to get healthier. Maybe your story is about your running. The list is endless and we are a work in progress. Don’t let your work of art become stuck in the yuck-stage. Take a step back, squint your eyes, and decided where you need to do some work. You are the artist here. You can create whatever you want. (Let’s just hope it smells more like cake, instead of an onion!)
*For FUN: Check out some of the layers of my pieces being created pictured below!
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