Bust out the Big Brushes

Detail, "Serenity"  February 28, 2018

I made good progress on the "Serenity" orchids during November 2017, but then a portrait commission in December put everything on hold.

Getting a project rolling again can take so much energy, all the initial excitement is gone, plus often the midway point in a painting is like puberty, it just looks plain awkward. Plus, all the second guessing begins. Why I did I think those colors were a good idea? Good grief, this whole project feels stupid! 

"Serenity" Feeling stuck. February 16, 2018

So after noodling around with small tentative brushwork for over a week, trying to figure out how to love this project again, I decided to get out the big brushes. This tactic often helps me to stop obsessing about all the little details so much and just dive into the wonderful rhythm of painting with big strokes of gorgeous paint.

"Serenity" Now we're going somewhere! February 18, 2018

 If you find yourself feeling stuck on a project, challenge yourself to take a risk, think in bold strokes. Commit to a decision, make a change. For me, that means focusing on shape and value, cranking up the music and "doing" instead of "thinking." It really helps to break through those frozen gears and gets a stalled project back in the creative joy zone again.

I also find taking a daily photo helps. I can see how far I have come, or sometimes where I drove off the road completely.

"Serenity" In the beginning...November 7, 2017

I was sincerely hoping to have the Serenity Orchids completely finished for this post, but I am putting my perfectionism aside and sharing with you where the project is right now. It's close, but there are a few details and color balance issues that don't feel quite resolved to me yet.

"Serenity" Almost there. February 28, 2018

I challenge you to feel the thrill of reviving a stalled project. Get out those metaphorical big brushes and make a change!

Happy creating,

>^-^<
Tina