Retired people are supposed to have all sorts of time to devote to their hobby but somehow my "painting time" gets divided up over days or weeks. This poor thing sat on my easel for weeks at various stages. So thankful it's done but all I can see is the wonky perspective of the tile roof. Should I go back in and correct things. Yes. Am I going to? No.
The teacher suggested I redo the last painting to correct shapes and brighten colors. I tend to build up layers of paint, trying to correct values and color choices. If I redid the painting, having done it once, the idea is that I'd make better choices as I watch my weaknesses. I could definitely do that. I could also definitely slam my head against the hallway door repeatedly. I'm going to pass on doing either, although I'm keeping the door thing in reserve for possible use in the future.
A painting like this should take about two plus hours but because I'm constantly stopping the video to watch which colors the teacher is blending to make her colors so I can match her examples, it takes days, working a couple of hours at a time when I get the chance. It sucks the joy out of painting. Of course, I haven't done that much painting. But when I only have to make decisions to please myself, it goes faster. It has to. Right?
I have two more paintings to complete for this course. The next is a super complicated still life of flowers, ceramics, fruit and more. I'm dreading that. The last is a guy sitting in the sun. That should be easier. (Note: every time I've said one of these assignments should go easier, it does not.) Then I have to start painting on my own from life, not photographs. Assuming I improve and the hallway door remains in a dent-free state, I have to do more paintings with a drastically simplified setup. That's because my goal is to paint during our trip to Ireland and the UK and weight of baggage is a thing.
I have two cons between now and then so that means more ducks, chipmunks and even some Gummi Bears art to create between/during paintings.
They have doors in the UK, good, strong oak ones. I'll be fine.
--Tad