Almost two weeks ago, I started another e-course, "How to Paint an Owl" by the talented Juliette Crane. I have long admired Juliette's beautiful owls, her use of color, her backgrounds and composition. And since I was missing taking a class, I thought "why not?" and jumped in.
In the first week we painted different backgrounds, one of which I showed you last Friday. The one on top turned out to be my favorite one.
This week we added the owls. It was fun and messy, I enjoyed playing with color and getting those owls down, even though I am not quite happy with the result.
I still think the background of this one is way too busy. I need to tone it down because I don't like it this way.
I kind of like the purple painting, seeing the owl from the side. I hope to give her lots of character when I'll paint her face.
This is the one I like the most. It's going to be a "Southwestern owl". I've already outlined the feathers on his (her?) head with white pastel. BTW, I don't really like the pastels I have, they are very hard and break easily (I found them on a yard sale a couple years ago). Fortunately, one of our art supplies store has a sale this month and there are some good soft pastels that I am interested in.
However, I am not completely happy with these paintings. I was wondering why, and I guess it's because this is not my style. Creating these paintings I feel like I'm copying Juliette (very badly) and not listening to my own voice. My "signature" is missing. I realized that when I sat down yesterday evening and started another mixed media painting by just following my intuition. It felt wonderful.
Eventually, I think I will get my "personal touch" on those owls. I will go through these phases and just enjoy the class (I love it!) and see where it will take me. One day, these will be "my" owls - I hope.
I'm linking again to Paint Party Friday and look forward to visiting all these talented artists.
Happy PPF!
.
21 comments:
I like all your pieces Carola. Lots of work going on there. I also see a lot of texture and beautiful color. Very nice. You go girl! Have a great weekend and Happy PPF!
I'm sure you will develop your own owl style, Carola. In the meantime, I do like the second one here.
K
Wunderbare Eulenbilder und viele kleine Geschichten finden sich in jedem Bild, Klasse !
Viele Grüße Synnöve
Liebe Carola,
ich freue mich, dass du bei mir am Neckarstrand gelandet bist, aus dem fernen Kalifornien. Hoffentlich gefällt es dir.
Ich finde Dein Blog ganz toll - du malst wunderbar. Ich habe dazu so gar kein Talent.
Liebe Grüße
irmi
The second one is my favourite too. They do have some of you in them, Carola. Pleased to hear you are having fun!
Hi Carola,
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your sweet comment!! So - another German in the US...that's great!
I love your art and your Etsy shop!! I'll be back to visit often!! Happy PPF!!
xoxo Silke
I think your colors, layers, and texture combinations are great!!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Thank you for sharing your experience with your e-course, the backgrounds are terrific and look forward to seeing how you work those owls. Happy PPF, Annette x
Carola, you're back - yea! I so know what you mean about finding your own voice and style. I have lately started doing textured photos (I make or shoot the textures myself) and then make a mixed media background to complement the image. I finally feel like this is MY THING - like it fits me and I can take it wherever I want. There are so many possibilities and still much to learn, but it's a really wonderful feeling. I know this is just around the corner for you too. It takes a LOT of experimentation, but at some point, something CLICKS!!
Your backgrounds are fab! I think the owls will have your personal touch when you are finished. I did an owl too...they must be on people's minds or something. Happy PPF! :-)
Wow an amazing background. Your owls are coming along a treat and I am sure you will find your own signature for them once you are comfortable painting them.
Looks like a fun class, Carola. I love all the backgrounds. I think I'd scan them and use them as decorative papers for making cards. I'm not too fond of owls, in any form or color, but I do love, love, love the colors of your pieces.
Very interesting insights. I agree that I don't like my paintings that feel too much like copies of someone else's style. It's taken me a while to use this insight when taking a class though.
Rinda
Very creative and colorful background and love your owls the way the head tilts ~ adorable ~thanks, namaste, ^_^
it's great to learn form other artists but i think fo us to feel satisfied with our work, we have to adapt what we learned to make it our own. and as always, it is in the doing that we learn so nothing we do is wasted. good job on the owls! all the best!
Sometimes we have to copy to see what we like and don't like! Patsy from
HeARTworks
I know exactly how you feel. I can't enjoy a class if I feel like I am just copying the instructor's examples. It's that need to make it your own that sets you apart!
I think the Southwestern owl is going to be great.
The good thing about a class, or to learn how others do their craft, is to experiment, and take what will help you, and make it your own way.
Those owls are cute; looking forward to see how you add your personal touch, and thanks for sharing!
I love most that you already know what is YOUR "signature" as opposed to someone else's. THAT says bit all to me, Carola.
I always think of classes a being about the process not the finished product. While you may feel like you are copying right now, you are building your knowledge of the creative process and will use it your own way in future works.
Just my opinion :-)
Darla
Wunderschön Farben :) Ich denke, dass du deinen eigenen Eulenstil noch finden wirst. :)
Post a Comment