I have decided to stop painting and call it done. This has been "an awfully big adventure" for me! Instead of just painting what I see or conjure up in my head (which I do a lot) I researched and thought, and thought, and thought some more and then more for many days and nights about what I was going to say in my painting. Once I wrote down my LONG stream of conscience dialogue with me self on the forum I started sketching. I began sketching painting on 2 11 x 14 to get my general composition and color palette. I ended up using a limited palette of 4 colors transparent oxide red, ultramarine, alizarin, veridian and titanium white. My normal palette is usually about 9 colors.
I did not have a reference to paint from so I used myself and Susan Whiting for poses of Wendy. Peter started as a buff Russian Ballet Dancer...I wanted a younger Peter so he morphed several times until he is what he is..
Karen W. helped me suspend Barbies by their hair to capture light and shadow. Wendys' old woman shadow kept getting more hunched back with each rendering. Though I like her the best. Tinkerbell has butterfly wings with the light source at the tip of her wand throwing pixie dust toward Peter and Wendy. I added more feathers on Peter's Swan Shadow.
The figures are whimsical and I used mostly large loose brush and palette knife. The painting may still be wet on 3/15...
I think the two biggest challenges for me was being conscious of the multiple storylines in the painting, and whether I could pull it off or not.
I worked hard on trying to see the painting from the viewers perspective and I hope the viewer will look more about the symbolism (magical fantasy) of each of the parts of the painting. For some it is just a painting..done well or not..in that case..oh well. This painting was not just for me to like or dislike..It will be shared with the public to like or dislike but more important for me to think about. I do feel vulnerable and a little naked but also invigorated. I am hoping for kind remarks. But, if not, It is what it is!
Thanks to Bondo for stretching me? and all who stepped up to this challenge! I cannot wait to see everyone at The Reveal on 3/15!
Sounds so great already Debbie, thanks for the heartfelt sharing, you put so much heart and thoughts that lead me could visualize your work already, can't wait to see if my thought would of match with what was on your mind ? Cheers !!!
Can't wait to see it!
Aren't we all vulnerable as artists? I had many of the same thoughts, wondering if people will like my work. It takes a lot of effort sometimes to quiet the critical voices in my head. Ultimately, if you like it, that is all that matters. We should all be reminded to be kind when viewing or commenting on someone's hard work! I can't wait to see it! Congrats on finishing.
I loved your comments. Yes, ultimately it is about if I like it or not. It is growing on me. Well, I know of three who has enjoyed the painting so far: Me, myself and I. :)