A Painter Needs Confidence and Critics

A Painting in Progress: Photo to Canvas

The inspiration for my latest painting was a black and white photo of an owl I downloaded from some site several years ago – but it languished in my “inspiration” folder. I did not have the confidence to paint so complicated a critter! Then, I screwed up my courage to create an interpretation of this photograph after copying and practicing with a few fantastical owls.

My friends and family have said kind things about it. But, I have to give credit where it is due – I have an encouraging teacher and fellow students whose constructive criticisms guided the “revisions” I have made in this painting and others.

First, it was my teacher’s fanciful interpretation of an owl that made me rethink color in a “portrait.” Considering how another person “sees” can refresh my vision of life in my Autumn’s Garden.

Then, the camaraderie of the class and their observations and comments that helped me to re-balance my little critter’s eyes, and deepen the background color.

So, I am still learning – and pass on another old lesson learned: Look, Accept, Apply.

Look for teachers, people who are accomplishing, creating, and sharing their talents, and be teachable, no matter old you are!
Accept criticism from those who love you. (I wish I could emboss this on the inside of my eyeballs!) Think about it – if you don’t know how to change something, ask for help.
Apply what you can – and relax; you can leave the rest; just don’t lose it though. One day a friend’s suggestions – counsel — may be useful in another project.

Take all the time you need, but hurry up . . . Be confident, creative and constructive, today!

Anyone who ever gave you confidence, you owe them a lot. ~Truman Capote, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 1958, spoken by the character Holly Golightly