Alright, great news everyone, the first piece is finished!
It took a lot longer than I expected, mostly due to time constraints, but there were a few instances where I just wasn’t really feeling it. Now, normally, when I’m experiencing these art blocks, it is more to do with my actual life, not necessarily the art itself. However, because this was more of an experiment, I think that might have significantly contributed to it. I just couldn’t really get behind the style. I love looking at the final project, and all of my inspirations, but the process was so tedious, I don’t think it’s something I’m going to be pursuing. Additionally, it really felt like work? And that’s not really what I want when I’m painting. I want it to be a peaceful process that relaxes me, not something that stresses me out. I guess that’s what I get for choosing to use it for this project. It’s kinda like that “do what you like, not what you love” thing. If you start putting too much pressure on yourself, it stops being fun. Anyway.
My other complaint (sorry) about this piece is that it’s not really me. It feels a little too “cottagecore” and honestly, that’s just not how I see myself. At least, it isn’t how I see myself now, that could have been how I saw myself four weeks ago, I don’t remember. And that’s why I need more fast-paced projects! I’m not nearly a consistent enough person to have one dedicated style I’m finding.
But my theatrics are not the point of this blog, so I’ve gotta keep going. For my next project, I’m going to incorporate something I’m already doing: inktober. I’m not going to cheat, and use those projects for this, but I think because I’m already starting to explore (and actually enjoy) the watercolor and ink style!
There are a few examples I starting look at:
And I think these pieces, with their focus on architecture, without all the technicalities, have the same qualities I liked from the other style. They seem like small samples of a more peaceful world, and right now, I think we can all find value in that. Also, I think being able to draw from an actual reference, some of the many beautiful buildings around campus, I’ll have an easier time getting this work done. I think I’d feel too awkward sitting in one place too long to finish these sketches in a reasonable time.
Finally, an update on Inktober: it’s going pretty well so far. I’m using a list that I found on Pinterest that has a lot of very vague but still Halloween-y words. So, for example, today was “tread” which I took to mean “tread lightly” so I painted a haunted house!
I definitely know how you feel, sometimes for me I start a painting expecting it to be relaxing… that is, until my perfectionist nature kicks in and I find it causing more stress than enjoyment. My mom told a family friend (without asking me) that I would do a commissioned painting for them, and although I have spent hours upon hours working on it it’s still not done. I feel like unless you’re 110% into an idea, it is hard to devote that much time painting something. I’m glad you’ve found a style that you’re interested in, and I’m excited to read about it!