"Everybody knows a work of art takes at least an hour!" Lucy to Linus, (Peanuts)

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http://canvoo.com/boldbrush/badge/13203 three times selected for FAV15%, Fine Art Views Bold Brush Painting Competition

Sunday, January 9, 2011

A Kiss or No?

Now I am getting into the subtle changes that make up the final composition before I begin to put paint to canvas. I am using a slightly different pose for Chica, the parrot, and trying to determine if I want it seem as if Samanda is giving Chica a kiss on the head...or not. Hands are more accurate now as are the shawl folds around her shoulders. Of course, part of this fussing is to stave off the actual moment of beginning to paint. And why do I do this? Why do so many artists I know also do this? We love painting! It is our greatest joy...but so hard to begin. What if it fails? What if no one likes it? What if, what if. It doesn't matter. BEGIN.
I would appreciate any opinions about whether or not to have Chica being kissed by Samanda but I don't guarantee going along with the majority vote...
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4 comments:

  1. Bruce ShermanJanuary 9, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Hi there "You".... I don't think that it is actually" putting off painting"... as much as it is trying to take the new "idea" beyond the familiar and safe.

    I speak of course... from an entirely personal perspective Karen... but in looking at your past successful portraits, it seems to me that your compositional interests naturally precede your desire to be accurate in your draughtsmanship. You achieve both goals in the end always... but without the dynamic quality of your compositional decisions... precision and accuracy in drawing cannot lift it out of the... "ordinary." You are right... to "plan it to death"....HAHA!!! Just my thought!

    As for "la bouche a bouche"... your call! For my $$$ the parrot and Samanda relationship of love and trust is already obvious in the relaxed, natural pose as you have developed it to this point.

    Have fun!
    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  2. Michael Di GesuJanuary 9, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    Hi, Karen,

    I remember when you posted your interview with this lovely young woman an her parrot. Even in just this sketch you have captured her beautifully.

    My vote is for the first. I like that her cheek gently grazes the parrots head. She also has lovely lips and they shouldn't be covered.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday. I appreciate your comment. I'm sorry if I gave you the impression that that had happened to me. I changed the post to include the word fiction. Thankfully it did not happen to me, but I know others who have been victimized. It's sad to think how often these things do happen to innocent children.

    I am looking so forward to see this completed work. You are an amazingly talented artist.

    Michael

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  3. Healing WomanJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:18 AM

    You are so right. "Begin." Once you begin, the creative spirit, muse, comes into action.

    I would choose the top image but I am sure whichever way you go, kiss or no, it will be fabulous.

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  4. Crystal CookJanuary 10, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Gosh I think the hardest moment in my artist's life is right before I FINALLY put brush to paper. Crazy! Maybe it's because we're all a bunch of perfectionists and we know that we just might make something that's less than 'perfect'. I think this is a beautiful drawing and I can't wait to see the painting!

    My vote is for no kiss. I love the expression on her face and just having Chica close.

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