Monday, April 8, 2013

Don't get precious!

If there's one thing I've learned over the years it is not to get too 'precious' about completed works.  My theory is that, given that you paint often, you should be improving all the time.  Therefore your current works will usually be better than anything you've done before. It's all about brush mileage.

The following work has been entirely painted over....

The Patterned Landscape
...and has become (sorry Terrie...I know you liked it)...


Along The River
The canvas is 90 x 90 cm, wide-edge.

Now, I understand that some of you will prefer the first edition.  But I have reasons for preferring the second.  It is less repetitive, better scaled, has better surface (more impasto), and the design of the line is more dynamic.  It reads better as an aerial view too.

I'd be interested to see who is for the change, and who is not.

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16 comments:

  1. Carole ReidApril 8, 2013 at 6:27 AM

    Hmmmm they both have their own beauty and painterly qualities, Jo. Being the artist gives you the privilege of being the one with all the choices and final say....well, usually....! Reworked paintings also have the benefit of added texture and a richness. I love both! xo Carole

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  2. Jeane MyersApril 8, 2013 at 6:46 AM

    Hey Jo! wonderful post - love the 'brush mileage'idea - the second is definitely stronger in my opinion - first one is nice, but the second one holds my attention! xo

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  3. CindiApril 8, 2013 at 8:29 AM

    In brush mileage I'm not very far down the road, but I agree with your assessment of the second work. It's more feminine in shape, form and color, and so to me, more earthy and expressive. Interesting to see how you've taken one idea and turned it into something completely different!

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  4. Linda KunsmanApril 8, 2013 at 9:04 AM

    They both have nice visual qualities but I completely agree with you about the second one. Great explanation Jo!

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  5. Wyn VogelApril 8, 2013 at 5:03 PM

    Hard to know Jo - I like both - and would never guess the 2nd was the 1st!! Well done - you inspire me - I have a couple leaning against the wall that I have been planning to put back on the easel and now I can hardly wait to do it!! Cheers!!

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  6. AnonymousApril 8, 2013 at 9:02 PM

    Since I just redid a painting, I so get what you are saying. My husband always wants to know, why would you paint over that or get rid of that, sometimes you just gotta do it! xox

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  7. TerrieApril 9, 2013 at 5:09 AM

    Well, I still prefer the first one - it might be the color palette and the regimentation of repeating shapes that appeals to me. However, I do agree that this one definitely reads as more of an aerial view and I love the extra texture.

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  8. BarryApril 9, 2013 at 8:36 PM

    JM - both are true to their names and as such both good works. B

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  9. ~*~Patty SApril 10, 2013 at 11:12 AM

    At the risk of sounding like Switzerland...I really do enjoy each for their own reasons!
    oxo

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  10. Karen IsaacsonApril 11, 2013 at 4:15 AM

    If I just saw the first one standing alone I would absolutely adore it, but that second one is even more beautiful!

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  11. Maria OntiverosApril 11, 2013 at 3:04 PM

    I definitely prefer the second one!
    Rinda

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  12. AndriaApril 16, 2013 at 4:15 AM

    Wow, it takes a lot of courage to paint right over a work like that. Though I like the second one better, I am wondering why you painted over the first, rather than working on a different canvas. Both pieces are amazing!

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  13. Jane DaviesApril 18, 2013 at 5:55 AM

    THanks so much for sharing this post with our class. GREAT example! AWESOME piece! I agree with you about the second one being better. Great job, great courage!

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  14. MarjiApril 19, 2013 at 3:21 AM

    Couldn't agree more. I do this all the time. I think both are/were beautiful. But, I believe that a painting gets richer the more layers and mystique that lies below the surface. Beautiful work.

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  15. BluApril 20, 2013 at 5:51 PM

    I like both, but prefer the first one.

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  16. artbeckonsApril 21, 2013 at 1:38 AM

    They are both very interesting but I agree with you that the second is better for the exact reasons you gave... love it!

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