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Sometimes I finish a painting, and for whatever reason, I just don’t like it. What attracted me to the composition (which is what usually gets me started) is either no longer working for me, or I’ve done too much or not enough to emphasize what was most important.
On this recent painting from my May 3rd post, Reading the Newspaper, I just wasn’t real fond the finished work. I still like the composition, the shapes of the shadow patterns, the repeated diagonals are interesting, strong cast shadows implying form. However, I think I got too stuck in the details. The specifics of the hands, the fabric patterns, the body proportions …. Just too much that doesn’t work kills it (for me, at least).
So, my love of this composition (and of newspapers) forces me to try it again with The Latest Edition. (Don’t mind the blue reflections upper right; not the best photograph.) Still not quite sure if it’s really done, but I know I like it better so far. Actually, now that I’m looking again, I’ll be adding a little bit to the steps to ground them a little more. Don’t be shy, let me know your preferences or if you think I’m way off base!
Reading the Newspaper (old one)
The Latest Edition
12″x12″
oil on gallery-wrapped canvas
