Taking my Time with the Bagpipe

With the idea of spending just 15 minutes in the studio I’ve been able to work on this newest painting of my son and his Greek bagpipe.  Fifteen minutes turned into a couple of hours, so I guess it’s something to keep up doing.

I’m trying to go slow on this work too since my tendency is to throw paint around and then I’ve gone too far.  In that respect, using watercolor as my medium is discipline.  I think to myself:  Take your time, don’t rush, don’t be impulsive with the colors.  I like to just go with my gut on the color choice, letting my instincts take over.  Choose first, think later and I end up sorry sometimes.  I guess it depends on my mood.  As with the first cherry blossoms painting I’m thinking more before I act.

A plus about blogging on my painting is the work-in-progress photo.  After taking a photo I can see, somewhat easier, where I need to go .  The photo flattens things out.  It’s like taking that step back from the easel and squinting at my work.  The camera helps me squint and blur the edges, colors and composition to see where I’m going.  While I’m painting I could make huge application mistakes that could cost me the whole shebang.  Then it’s dumpster time!   Sometimes things are not fixable.  I’d like to avoid that and keep an upbeat attitude, if I can help it.

Taking it slow, chosing and applying the paint, stopping to photograph the work, and stopping altogether is keeping this baby alive.  I can already see some things I might have done better, but I’m painting.  I’m in the process.  Whatever the outcome, I did it and if I need to, I’ll move on.  It’s all good.