I like praying things. I think I've mentioned that before- like monks, sunflower heads, swans, and this praying mantis. It's a symbol that comes up over and over in my art. I think because a bowed head is such a humble posture- like you really know you don't have all the answers - that somehow you must look to the One who created you and it is in that connection that answers are found.
This is a large watercolor (and colored pencil) I did earlier this summer. He needs something more to be finished but for the life of me I can't figure it out. I would love comments from my artists friends, and my non-painting friends (because you guys sometimes think outside the box). And plus, it's just fun for me to hear ideas from all over the world and I might get to see your creative endeavors in exchange. And I might be able to finish "Mr. Mantis Praying".
9 comments:
your initials in the corner :)
it is beautiful and i can't stop looking at it!
and you know what? my sister gave me two of those beautiful notebooks and i am going to use the other one as you suggested! thanks for the idea!
have a great weekend!!!!
This piece is just gorgeous! I think you are THERE, someday is here.
I love it too. I really, really enjoy the way you use color. Sorry, but I can't think of anything it needs.
Hey mouthy (love your name btw)
and robin (already famous)and ruth:
your comments MEAN SO MUCH to me-that it had any kind of affect- really means something to someone who is struggling to trust each brush stroke. I shouldn't be that insecure. I hope I paint long enough to get really snobby about it. :) :)
Odd Chick,
I also thought it was done... I love the way the praying mantis is sort of carved out of the deeper colors and patterns behind him, with the whiting out around him. Like he's camouflaged.
I wonder if the reason you feel it's incomplete has to do with the whitened areas. Are they too white for you? Too uniform? Do you feel you should do a little something more with them, hopefully without doing anything to lose the mantis guy's clarity? That's all I could think of AFTER I read that it felt unfinished to you.
I am thinking it's done too although I am fairly certain it might be that white you are not quite OK with? Just a guess and knowing how you love color.
I however think it's looking very done and very wonderful...I too love these strange little(or BIG) bugs, although they freak me out when I run into them unexpectantly....such a wuss, that's me.
xoxoxox
I think your praying mantis is perfection - the way it's there and yet subtly isn't and then it's back again has the quality of how they can be in nature - in my experience. Elusive, beautiful, and somehow mystical...
I recently received an award from a fellow blogger and have been asked to pass it on to others I admire or am inspired by. I've chosen you! If you go to my blog you'll see the link in the side bar, and if you are so inclined, the idea is you nominate seven blogs that you love, add their blog links, email them, post the award you'll see on my blog, onto your blog with the link going back to the person who has awarded you (that would be me!), and then they nominate or award seven more blogs... and so on and so on. It has perpetual motion and good feelings.
Here's to you, your passion, your art!
Karin
Linda & Steve,
I would have been disappointed had you not commented so thank you for taking the time. I'm beginning to trust my instincts as I had left the white thinking that I always paint with mid-tones, (which actually worked for this painting)but the white bothered me. Even before you commented I muted the white and darkened the darks. I think it needs some tendrils coming from the leaves on top, but I'm scared. So I may practice tendrils. thanks friends.
I love this piece! But I also love what you wrote about your feelings on prayer - maybe you could intertwine your beautiful words with the image somehow .... just a thought
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