A Year of Making Art: Day 25

May 14, 2007  Day 25

I was thinking this morning about Saturday's visit to two local art galleries.  These were both group shows, and I know most of the artists exhibiting.  What I realize today is that I automatically viewed the art in judgment mode:  What is good and what is bad?  Is the work of this particular artist exhibited today better or worse than the work they've exhibited in the past?  I was continually comparing and critiquing rather than enjoying what was in front of me.

Would it be possible to change the rules of the game and simply experience each piece of art for what it was?  I'm not sure, but the experiment could be worth it.  I make a note to try it next time.

I haven't been satisfied with my drawings lately (another judgement).  They seem too controlled and I am trying too hard.  In the middle of this morning's drawing, which I chose to do all in black lines, I wrote the words I was thinking, incorporating them into the design.  The purpose was to free myself up.  By stating a fear or misgiving, putting it out there, it loses some of its power.

I realize I am still trying to make the perfect drawing, the perfect painting, to show you so that you will say, "Bravo!"  This takes so much energy.

  Drawing #24, 11" x 14"

It is definitely more playful, but not something I would say, "Bravo" to.

Over the weekend I asked Adrian and Blixy for their opinions on Canvas #8.  I still like it, but they both thought it was "unfinished."

  Canvas #8

I worked on the other two canvases today, using the "Improv" painting method on #7, and continuing the background on #9:

  Canvas #7

  Canvas #9

Canvas #7 now looks like it will be impossible to save.  Tomorrow will tell.

(Note:  There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting because I had to give myself time to get ahead in case we travel and I'm not able to post.)