Thursday, January 18, 2018

Every Painting Has an Ugly Stage!

SUNRISE
Watercolor - 11x15

It is a common occurrence. It happens to all artists and most paintings go through it. The Ugly Middle Stage!

We always start out with high hopes for the painting and everything looks fresh and fun, especially with watercolor. Then the colors dry a little lighter, the edges are a little too free and we start to panic. 

It is tempting to give up during this stage but I always tell my students to push through the doubts. Shift to that right side of the brain. Sit down and define shapes, add color, strengthen the value pattern and work out the composition. 

Don't give up. You will be surprised how many Uglies turn in to Beautiful Paintings!