Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Watercolor on paper
Has anyone of you experienced the period when anything you touch turns to trash?...For past 10 days I have been quite frustrated- I am out of inspiration, out of subjects and frankly , out of my depth! Whatever I attempt to do; the result is usually awful.This is the one piece that looked only half decent-though I spoiled the background by overdoing it..I am posting it here in a hope that it will change my luck! 
She is a flower seller on the banks of the Ganga river in Rishikesh, India. The background was just light waters of the river;( may be I should have left it like that.) The day was heavily overcast ,so I could hardly make out her features.

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21 comments:

  1. UnknownApril 2, 2013 at 12:30 PM

    I'm not an expert on the subject, but I think you're experiencing a growth spurt, Arti. Maybe you feel frustrated because you know what you want your artwork to become, and you can see it so clearly in your mind, and it hasn't yet happened the way you would like to see it on the paper. But it will. I read that the secrets to the success of one's next painting are hidden in the last painting. You just need to figure out how the next painting will be different. And make it so. BUT, I LOVE this painting today! I think it is truly an Arti masterpiece and every bit as wonderful as your other portraits! (Do be careful of the pastel dust. I've heard that can be unhealthy.)

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    1. ArtiApril 3, 2013 at 8:57 AM

      I think you are right, Katherine.I wish to better myself all the time and when I don't see the desired results, it frustrates me.Lets hope this phase passes soon!I am truly thankful for friends like you :)

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  2. nandadeviApril 2, 2013 at 12:41 PM

    Dear Arti true even a junior like me gets this" lapses" after a while. getting interesting subjects is also another factor.As usual your painting is too good but i can understand your frustration.I read somewhere to breakaway and do or learn something entirely new will bring some new thoughts and ideas into mind.change your medium ,style or subjects , who knows you may find something more interesting or comeback more stronger.change the colors you usually use and dont browse too much on what you are doing. It worked for me. so good luck

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    1. ArtiApril 3, 2013 at 9:10 AM

      Being a portrait painter has its disadvantages- I have to find subjects, ask for permissions!Just can't go about clicking everyone :)
      Being unsure about pastels is also taking its toll.I want to paint with them but I am still having some breathing troubles- that frustrates me a lot.Lets hope for the best in coming time.Thank you for being there.

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  3. F.M.MarrouchApril 2, 2013 at 1:35 PM

    Magnífico como siempre

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  4. hmuxoApril 2, 2013 at 9:29 PM

    I LOVE this portrait, Arti ..I'm trying to figure out what medium you used! It looks like watercolor yet it looks like pastels..I think I'm losing it!!! I love her gorgeous dress and beautiful skin tones!! and yes,
    many times I work on a painting and want to trash it "before" I even finish it...I just walk away and when I come back with fresher eyes I am able to see the changes I want to do.

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    1. ArtiApril 3, 2013 at 9:17 AM

      I am sorry Hilda I forgot to write that it was a watercolor.Though I meddled with the background until it was unrecognizable!
      Usually I feel happy and contended when a painting is finished.Its trouble when I don't.....It has been happening a lot lately, I am just unhappy with every of them.I worked hard on a big watercolor for a week , then abandoned it because something was just not right!
      I think I will go back to pastels, having ordered masks.
      Thank you for being there.

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  5. JBApril 3, 2013 at 5:48 AM

    Arti, I want to tell you what to do, but you're the only one who knows what is right for you. Cutting back might be the answer. Pushing through might be better. You'll know when you hit on it.

    These dry spells happen in any creative life. Don't despair. Nurture your creative spirit in whatever healthy way works for you. Have you ever read anything by Julia Cameron? 'The Artist's Way,' maybe? I find that she has so many ideas how to help so anything I'd tell you comes straight from her.

    You're amazing talent won't disappear. It may be resting, getting ready for the next level.

    Besides. I love your new portrait. The concentration on her face reminds me of my nephew when he was young. Maybe you need to spend some time looking for the good aspects of your work. Your colors are rich and you have an incredible gift for expression. I have no idea how you do what you do.

    Here's an idea - sometimes, when my writing feels dry and lifeless, I need art. Did you know that you've supplied that for me? Maybe you need to read a good book, to eat an excellent meal, to look at good photograpy, or listen to some good music. Mark Isham's music does good things for my creativity. He's scored a bunch of films and I always feel like I'm in the middle of a prairie when I listen to my CD of his music.

    Feed your soul. You deserve it.

    Hugs, Julie

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    1. ArtiApril 3, 2013 at 9:23 AM

      Thank you so much for your kind words, Julie.I guess that is what I need- support and encouragement from my friends.
      I am spending more time on reading, though its mostly art books.May be that will help.I have not read the book you have mentioned- I will try to find it.Hoping for the best.Thank you so much for your support.

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    2. JBApril 5, 2013 at 9:43 PM

      You're welcome, Arti. You deserve it.

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  6. MYSTELIOS April 3, 2013 at 7:47 AM

    Very beautiful and interesting painting !!!

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    1. ArtiApril 3, 2013 at 9:24 AM

      That's a woman I saw in Rishikesh, on the banks of the Ganga river.She was a flower seller.I m glad you like her.

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  7. Studio at the FarmApril 4, 2013 at 4:39 AM

    I go through that stage frequently, Arti! :) Believe me, it will pass.

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    1. ArtiApril 5, 2013 at 11:09 AM

      Thanks Kathryn, I guess taking some time off will help!

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  8. Debbie NolanApril 4, 2013 at 7:03 PM

    Dear Arti - I am no expert but I think your background for this wonderful woman looks perfect. Of course as artists we have a certain image in our minds and when it doesn't come out as we think we are disappointed. You are a great artist and I think you are just in a growing stage...it will come right I am sure in time. Thanks for sharing your frustration - it makes all of us who struggle with this at times not feel so alone. God bless you.

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    1. ArtiApril 5, 2013 at 11:15 AM

      Thanks Debbie...now I m beginning to see why it happens.I keep looking at the wonderful works of other artists and it invariably leads to "why can't I be that good!" ...I guess we need to learn to live with our own abilities, make peace with it and strive for betterment.Thank you for the support!

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  9. Autumn LeavesApril 5, 2013 at 10:55 AM

    I experience those feelings with every effort, Arti. I hope you are able to step out of your funk. I must say that I think this piece is brilliant and I find myself wondering what she is thinking about.

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    1. ArtiApril 5, 2013 at 11:16 AM

      Thanks Sherry that makes me feel better!I am blessed with so many wonderful friends, why should I be unhappy.Thanks for being there.

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  10. Uhu workApril 6, 2013 at 2:49 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  11. Kalyan PanjaApril 6, 2013 at 3:37 PM

    simply beautiful!

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