Well, in the interest of not overreacting, I will laugh and say that Structured Critique was tough. I brought in five paintings. I missed the mark with most of them. Distressingly so. I thought that at least one of them would get a "Wow, that's pretty good" comment. None did.
Kitty Wallis, my mentor and the leader of Structured Critique, observed that I did not observe and paint the light pattern consistently, so that ruined the effect of form and space of my figures. I knew that something was missing in my paintings, something that was keeping them from making the viewer want to look at them longer. Now I know what was off.
While negative feedback is never pleasurable (unless you are a masochist), it is good. Good to hear the truth. And I know that I can always count on Kitty for the truth.
I have a new painting on the easel already, and you can believe that I am looking carefully at the light pattern. I have every intention of getting it more right next time.
4 comments:
love the cartoon! very funny! The thing that is great about you (and your blog) is that you never pull a punch.. You tell us what you're thinking! It is good to be reminded of the light pattern (and thereby the shadow pattern!). I don't know why we have to be reminded so often--but that is how it is!
I think Muench's screamer is upset @ Mona's eyes following him @ the room.
How fortunate you are to have Kitty for a mentor. Wow.
I had an interesting experience when I finally got into the Sausalito AF after many years of trying. For the first time I went to a fair and experienced the other pastelists and painters offering me crits of my work - both negative and positive.
Given the caliber of these artists, I was honored to be treated with candor for a change. You are wise to seek advice, as we all should and almost never get.
Celeste! I have to same the same to you. The truth. The good. The bad. The ugly. It's all right there -- on my blog and yours as well. It's the best way!
You're right, Casey. I am fortunate to be mentored by Kitty. Honest critique is required for growth and development -- that doesn't make it easy.
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