Passions of an Odd Chick

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The Ugly Stage


The painting is at a really ugly stage. It's too stripey, darks and lights aren't defined, no real direction...still. It's like it's turned 17 and gone really rotten like a bad teenager. I want to cry. I want to kick it out. I don't know why I even shared it with you because I'm ashamed. I wish someone else would come in and raise this child.
But I've learned that paintings go through ugly stages, just like people, and that you can't give up. That you have to keep with it until you and the painting emerge. And just like a bad teenager, once it begins to bloom, you can't over-parent them, over-work them- that you are part of the process, but you are not all of it. I need a miracle. I'm expecting one any day.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

you are so right on :)
Sometimes the hardest thing is to plow through ......
You go girl!
p.s. I like it so far and I'm not just saying that :)

Carol Anne Strange said...

Give yourself a little space, Chick. Sometimes, we grow so close to the work that we don't see what's missing. It's looking great so far and I think the answer will come to you in a `ray of light'. Much love, you bright star. x

Karin Bartimole said...

You've said it perfectly Peggy, every single piece I've done goes through what I see as an ugly stage! I have learned and trained myself not to get anxious, even though it can still needle me when I place too much importance on what I'm working on. What I see here is a really strong foundation. Yes, it needs some definition, but I like it, too, and I'm not just saying that either!
I agree with Carol Anne, and suggest a deep breath and a little pause to come back with a fresh eye. When you come back in a day or so, you might try leaning it against a wall and turning it upside down and standing across the room from it - look at it in a different context and see what happens!

L'Adelaide said...

when i have a painting that goes south on me, i put it away, far away, and don't look at it for at least a month...i hope you have that time...

is this a work up for the church painting? I see the white bird in the center, which i think is lovely how she is emerging so gracefully however, since i don't know for sure that is even supposed to be a white bird, i thought i would share that with you...

just move to something else for a short time, it will make all the difference....although i must also share with you, i have paintings that are still sitting after years of neglect... sigh
xo

Poetic Artist said...

I think you need to step back..Walk away, see outside and see your vision through a long walk.
It will come out when the time is right.
Katelen

Robert A Vollrath said...

There is beauty in the ugly stage.

ArtPropelled said...

It's certainly not ugly. I think you're tired and feeling the pressure of wanting it to be perfect. This piece reminds me a lot of Franz Marc's style. It's going to be fantastic!

Renee said...

I loved it when I first saw it, but now I love it even more.

I like these colours better, they look metalic and hold light.

No, none of the pictures on my blog are mine. The picture you are talking about is done by Kelly Vivanco.

Renee xoxo

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

I love the analogy. I'm not experienced enough in art to have gone through that, but I've definitely known that same process in writing.

hang in there.

And P.S., I don't find it ugly.

BALLET NEWS said...

Love it ! And I'm sure I can see your parrot in the middle of the picture...