A few years ago I painted from these photos of my brother's property.
I feel so badly that my painting has just gone. Sometimes I feel I just can't do it. I know my limitations-it's not that-and I'm not whining. I don't know how to get out of this awful thing of the pandemic and family upsets that have happened in 2020.
I think painting would help me work through some stuff, yet I put it off and do other stuff. It sounds trivial, yet it isn't.
On the flip side, we have had some monumentally wonderful weather recently-right now it's cold again, but the warmth will return. And My Robin is back, and is going to nest again in the window ledge. They have been re-doing the old nest. It needed repairs.
I wish you a lovely weekend my friends!
26 comments:
Aw, Debra, a hug for you! I’ve tried painting from photos of buildings, and I find it very hard. But it was probably my fault with thinking they needed to look realistic. I hope you try your photos with a spin on your own folksy style. I’d love to see that. I especially like your window photo with the bushes with white flowers. That scene reminds me a lot of Andrew Wyeth’s work, and I know you could do it in your own style! My desire to paint is pretty non-existent these days as well. Pandemic, family, even our own depressed feeling about everything are roadblocks and feel impossible to overcome. Painting might help us work through some stuff, but sometimes we just need to let our minds and bodies recover without pushing anything. I’m sort of there right now, and it’s OK! I can do nothing easily. Someone once said we are “human beings”, not “human doings”. Hoping you find your peace for now and come out on the other side feeling better. Be good to yourself!
Thank you, Barbara!
Like the robin’s nest, sometimes things need a few repairs! I need to get my hands on that Van Gogh book I ordered eons ago. I also like Barbara’s comment.
Barbara stated everything so well. sometimes we need to have no plans and just do what comes. your dolls for one, I have been bouncing around again but I seem to always do that. try not to think on things too much-I know easier to say than do-hugs
I too think these old and some forgotten buildings are beautiful to photograph and paint. Your photos are wonderful. As for feeling the way you do. A lot of people are feeling this. You have to take care of you, do what is right for you and be the light that shines.
Beautiful photos. Industrial scenes do have a beauty of their own.
I wish I could remember who posted the comment about a painting in progress...something about...maybe that's all it is suppose to be.
I've remember that when I think I'm going to paint that scene someday. Sometimes, that moment is all it is meant to be.
Those are beautiful photos Debra. And of course photography is art and so you are making art, even if not painting again as yet. But I do know about the problem of the pandemic which feels like carrying a heavy boulder on your shoulders as you try to climb up a hill...on the worst days. It can be useful to watch affirmation videos for self help and there are many on youtube. I find watching people painting in videos also often kick starts my wanting to pick up my materials.
The photos are all beautiful, I love old industrial complexes or silos etc. I'm sure you will be able to paint again soon, perhaps just start with spreading some colours on a page and seeing how it develops. I haven't been able to do much since I came out of the clinic, but am slowly beginning again. Give yourself the time you need! Hugs Valerie
Dear Debra - I hear you sweet friend. It is hard to pick up a paint brush when so much is happening in our day to day life. Your photos may just be the key to inspiring you. I know that in taking pictures it helps me think of how I might paint something. You will get back to doing art again. If you are like me when the weather gets nice I am torn between painting and gardening. Those stubborn weeds keep me busy and so I procrastinate when it comes to art :)! Have a blessed weekend. Hugs!
Beautifully said-it's time for me to repair some things as well...thank you my pal.
Hugs back! You are an inspiration-all the cool things you do so well!
Thank you! You are so right. And you also inspire me with all the amazing art you make!!!
Thank you Maywin....I will try thinking that way-I know I need to.
June-Yes! I really do need to watch someone painting! Thanks-that's a great tip.
Thank you my friend. Very good advice-and you are in my prayers for recovery.
Hugs back! You are a comfort to me. Thank you...
I agree with Barbara about using the photos as inspiration to reproduce in your own style and forgetting about realistic--in favor of imagination. I particularly love the windows. Windows and doors are so universally appealing, maybe because they require viewers to imagine possibilities. The pandemic has worked on all of us in such various ways. I got a postcard from a friend yesterday that said "It's interesting the changes my brain has undergone..." So many of us have, whether we recognize it or not, undergone changes that will continue to influence us, and Hannah's comment brought it into focus for me. But it is also true that we go through creative cycles and come through them. These cycles are painful because we feel a little hollow until we can work on whatever we love again. Your last lines about your returning robin repairing its nest should, perhaps, be a symbol as you "repair your nest" in anticipation of good things to come.
I'm always put off painting buildings because they look so hard to do. Maybe one day. We are all looking forward to seeing what your paintings will look like so get those brushes out. But I do know what you mean about putting painting off and doing other things instead. Good luck!
Debra, every morning, I look and see the hand painted picture of our sweet old Sophie that your talented hands painted. It always makes me smile. We still have Sophie.......but one day, when she is no long with us, I will still have her image to smile at because of you! I know you feel like you are in a slump at this time........but the joy you bring to others by your wonderful talent.......lifts us out of this turbulent time we are all going through. You are a blessing to others by your creative beauty. My prayers are with you. Hang in there and hang on to that paint brush!
Dear Debra,
I wish your musa wakes up and you start to paint again. Your skills are still there for sure. Thank you for sharing the interesting and beautiful photos. The weather is here just like you told being there - cold and warmth are changing. We must believe that this horrible pandemic will be over soon after we all have got vaccination.
I wish that your week ahead is in safe hands and all is right,
Hugs xx
This is an exquisite comment-so well put, so true. Thank you...
Thank you my friend!!! You inspire me -I love your art, and you are so prolific!
Thank you my friend! The painting of Sophie was my first when I decided to persue what I felt was and is, a gentle push from God to use the gift of painting that He gave me. I'll never forget how happy that painting made me! I'm glad you treasure it. Give Sophie a hug for me!
Thank you my friend! I wish I could come and visit you-I know I would love the beauty of Finland. I'm sure there's so much to paint! I hope you are safe and warm too.... We're supposed to get snow tomorrow!
Our robins are also back and every year that gives my heart such a lift. Now as I work outside their song is like a happy jungle sound... then the geese fly by and the little hummers. Spring is such a joy after winter's long rest. I am also trying to get up the gumption to draw and paint more. I love your photos and can see all of them as paintings. Lovely. Be well, thanks for sharing.
It may be fun nor you to check out Cari Soto who is on Facebook in the 'Artist's Journal Workshop" she literally draws everything she sees and is a lot of fun as well as quite captive in like you, industrial or cityscapes and some things people might not consider doing but Wow~
Blessings Debra, nice to visit
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