So I have been taking this class "An Easier Way to Paint" by Bill Harris.
He has opened my eyes and mind to what I believed before as me selling out.
What's important in painting? The end result or how you got there?
I still plan on doing my normal style. It's fun and unrestrictive. I can let lose and get some feelings out. There is always some "stress" I am dealing with when I paint my distorted human figures with the swirlies in their hair, the big eyes and weird situations. And yes, once in awhile I will probably still sell a few.
But I can't lie. I love that I have this more realistic portrait of my daughter for the living room. It was definitely fun to challenge myself with this one and I find myself wanting another challenge.
Not to mention, these types of paintings are more of the "money makers"...where I'm from anyways. Looks like I will be doing some commissions here shortly and just in time for Christmas. Smaller versions, that is.
About this painting: My daughter, husband and myself were sitting at one of the outside tables of Kybecca in downtown Fredericksburg. She ordered a cream soda and was really enjoying it. I mean, ENJOYING it. Luckily, I had a camera on me because the way her brow was furrowed and her lips were wrapped around the mouth of the bottle...I could see the intensity in which Lulu does everything. Even drinking this soda. This was one of my most favorite pictures of her. It really sucked in her personality for me.
Anyone who is familiar with my work and my taste in art, knows I don't like fruit bowls and seascapes. I feel cold when I look at these images I have seen over and over again in just different takes. I like to feel something, I like to wonder what the artist was trying to say and imagine the story behind the painting. Fruit bowls don't ever do that for me.
I learned a valuable lesson from taking this class with Bill Harris. Realism doesn't have to be about fruit bowls and seascapes. You can take the tips from the old masters, incorporate those in your own style and still get an emotional piece, one that tells a story.
(For those who'd like to come and take a few classes with Bill Harris: $125 for 5 classes, he has two different days a week that he offers times...I take mine on Sunday 2-4pm. The price includes supplies. He is an amazing, very strong artist who will give you pointers without imposing on your own style, offer advice without being pushy and encourage ideas. Very cool.)
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