Joel and Goals


Fuzzy photo of today's finish of Joel. 6" x 6" oil on Gessobord.

I saved painting Joel for dessert today. I had to do some chores today at the gallery that took so long I was getting anxious that I wouldn't be able to paint after all. Finally got done with all the "have-tos" by 5 p.m, leaving me an hour to paint.
I was pretty embarrassed at the state of the painting at the end of the Ustream session yesterday. The huge eyes, the iffy drawing, the undeveloped shadow side and rim lighting... yikes!
I feel better about it now, and took lots of photos. Even though this isn't a good photo, it's the best of what I got. Now the painting looks like my little guy.

Joel at the end of Sunday's Ustream session:
I've been thinking a lot about what I want to accomplish with my painting. I know goals usually have to do with how we want to feel, so I've been asking myself those sorts of questions, too. I visited Stacey Peterson's blog this evening, partly because she regularly posts updates to her goals. I found a quote from a landscape artist she admires. It reads very much like a mission statement. That's given me an idea that I need less of a list than a mission statement. Then the list would be the steps in realizing one's mission. And Rose Welty offered a great comment (could have been an essay!) about why one might or might not want to share one's intentions with others on one's blog. I plan to share them. I think it should help keep me on track.

18 comments:

theresamillerwatercolors said...

Hi Susan! I love this painting of Joel - how wonderfully expressive his eyes are, I want to cuddle with him! Now, I'm inspired to paint my Tartine, hehe. It may take a while, though... I'm so sorry I missed the demo! Have a great day!

Susan Carlin said...

True.. oh so true, Cheri. I couldn't possibly bring myself to do the one, so it will have to be the other. To see to what Cheri refers, go to Derfwad Manor and check out the '08 Ass Project (see below), in which Mrs. G. plans to shrink hers by jogging and by posting photos of it along the way. My own bravery extends only to sharing my goals.

http://derfwadmanor.blogspot.com/2006/08/08-ass-project.html

Susan Carlin said...

Hey, Theresa- you really should paint Tartine. The photo you sent of him was sweet, sweet, sweet. If you don't, I might!

Karen Hargett said...

I thought Joel looked great when you finished the demo the other day but my - he is really beautiful with the little touches you added. Great job. I really enjoyed the demo. You make it look so easy!

Barbara Pask said...

Hi Susan, I thought he was wonderful before but I see the new changes. There is a better sense of light on our left and the shadow in his eye on the shadow side makes such a difference. I've always said what makes a good painting is great light and shadow and you captured that.

Rose Welty said...

Susan, thanks for the kind words...my bravery only extends to the goals as well. Goodness me, what a project that woman has!

There is certainly something to the camaraderie of sharing your goals. It is so nice to know people are rooting for you.

Anxious to hear the mission statement!

Dianne Mize said...

Joel is breathing. I told my students that you could put the breath of life into any living being and you've proved it once again.

Sorry to have missed so much of the Sunday demo. I did see the video, but know I'm among other buds surely does make the experience richer. You did an amazing job. It multitask the way you do, and to keep focused on your painting is admirable. Is that a developed skill or a gift?

About goals? I was never good with goals, but was always pretty good at knowing my mission. I think individuals being as unique as they are each need to find her/his unique way of plotting the journey. And sharing is a way of knitting relationships in ones community. Carry on.

Dianne Mize said...

DANG! That response of mine needs a good editing. Where's the edit button?%$

theresamillerwatercolors said...

Yes! I would love to see a painting of Tartine from you! It would be fantastic!

Bart Kevelham said...

Wow, I already thought the painting looked good after the broadcast, but this is even one step better. BTW, I saw the question you asked on Dave Darrow's blog. The person you were looking for is Jonathan Hardesty, should you not have found it yet.

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=870

Barbara Pask said...

Hi again Susan, I was thinking it would be great when you do another live painting session to show us your finishing touches that go into a painting. At least for me it would have been very interesting to see all of the little details you put into your kitty after you quit filming. I think those touches are what make a good painting. Great light and shadows. Just a thought.

dudek said...

Susan,
Talk about goals. Mine is to be able to paint with as much passion and enjoyment as you seem to. I was fascinated watching you painting Joel on Sunday. You inspired me and I painted Sunday afternoon, Monday afternoon and went to class on Tuesday. Today I bought two bristle brushes and can't wait to use them.
Thanks for the inspiration! I'll let you know how it goes.
Nancy

Susan Carlin said...

Thank you Karen, Barbara and BFG- for judging the painting fine before. I guess I couldn't leave well enough alone- it was of my little Joel, after all!

Susan Carlin said...

Dianne- multitasking...I've thought about it a lot. I always used to chalk it up to being imprinted by my 10 years of doing portraits from sittings- having a conversation was part of the experience for me. But now I think it might just be the way my brain wants something to do in both hemispheres or it chugs instead of hums. Still, I did get more effective at the details of Joel later, didn't I? Hmmmm.

Susan Carlin said...

Rose- I finally posted my goals. Thank you again for your help in thinking about them.

Susan Carlin said...

Theresa- I just might paint Tartine after all... it's a great photo. I've got some paintings ahead to do first, but I appreciate your permission!

Susan Carlin said...

dudek/Nancy- How exciting! Now, for goshsakes, start a blog and let us cheer you on! I want to go bristle brush shopping, too.....

D. Good said...

Thank you my dear art friend.