Day 293 of Week 42 October 2023, Thoughts About Moxie
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| Live Study in Pastel 2001 |
This week has been slow. Overwhelming by the new painting to start?. I expect the first post tonight because I am anxious to set up the canvas. Time got away from me.
I saved about 90% of my live study drawings from both drawing courses, 101 and intermediate. They are reference for confidence when I'm feeling depressed about everything. The reminder that I am not without some talent is like the voice of a best friend we always listen to.
The night before handing in my final project, a portfolio of drawings, I was up into the wee hours of the morning, running on empty, sheer will to finish the way I want them. After the grading, I went through my drawings. To my surprise, I didn't remember making the wavy line on her right arm. It was a disturbing shock.
After a while, the memory began creeping back as how I felt running on empty. Empty is when you are beyond too tired, without sleep for well over 24 hours. You can physically and mentally feel the empty as a clear uncluttered thought plane. Whatever you have, your moxie is there in its raw form.
Each time I begin a painting, I remember that thought plane. It helps me push away cluttering ideas, grand ideas, unrealistic ideas that can obscure what I want to achieve. There are several factors than can impact on a person's ability to make decisions. As we age, our sharpness can diminish. Decisions are uncomfortable when they don't flow easily. Memories that hold us up are nice to have.
I might frame the pastel.
I think the pastel nude is frameworthy.
ReplyDeleteLiz,
ReplyDeleteBacking it with primed canvas, and glue it to a piece of hardboard is my thought. I have frames to adjust to fit.
If I had to make a decision today I'd be in big trouble -- up a good part of the night with a bad reaction to BBQ from our dinner out. I know just what you mean.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to review old work. As I was prepping things for my art sale, I looked through my old notebook of watercolors and found some I thought were better than what I'd been doing lately. (That was a rude awakening!) I love your pastel. It's lovely and I hope you do frame it.
It's really good. You are a great artist. Don't ever doubt that.
ReplyDeleteSorry, Jeanie, the BBQ hasn't been kind to you. Remember, the best barbeque sauce is homemade. I hope you feel better.
ReplyDeleteLooking at old artwork can be a shocker sometimes. I know that feeling, like...Who did this!? lol
Thank you, Debra
ReplyDeleteYears ago you told me that. I've held your words as inspiration since then.
Oh yes, you definitely have talent! I suspect you, like me, need to keep reminding yourself that you're good enough. There's a quote I read somewhere about that very thing but of course I can't find it now.
ReplyDeleteMaryanne,
ReplyDeleteThe quote will return to you out of nowhere.
That's what happens when I forget a name, two weeks alter, whala! I remember.
I would frame that pastel.
ReplyDeleteMarie,
ReplyDeleteIt is a large full sheet of drawing paper.
Where to hang it will be interesting.
I've been at that place, running on empty.
ReplyDeleteWilliam,
ReplyDeleteKey to life is discovering the good filling station we all have in our souls.