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Linda,
"You cannot have the clarity or certainty you want"
Well, if this wasn't timely for me. I will RUN to the bookstore for one of his books. It's funny how the mind works. I am starting a new portrait and on Tuesday was totally frustrated. My approach was going to be systematic and calculated because I wanted this one to be perfectly rendered. Well no sooner did I set up my drawing board and begin to draw that I came to a screeching halt. Totally clueless as to how to approach this particular pose. I got that panicked feeling that the good drawings I have done were just a fluke (remember, I am very new at this)
So I laid tracing paper over the photo ref and drew the skull, eyeballs, muscles, structure and mass. Two hours later there were about ten pieces of tracing paper all over the floor and I was no closer to inspiration. I slept fitfully.
Then last night my approach was, "so this one may not be more than an experiment. I'll just have fun with this sheet of paper and maybe get serious on the next". Five hours later I had this beautiful beginning, her likeness completely nailed, and ideas about where to go forward with it!!! I slept like a baby, satisfied and happy....
So, how does the artist brain work? I can't be the only artist (in the making - novice - beginner!) who runs the gammit of emotions, from procrastination to stalling to frustration to inspiration to pleasure?? Creativity is so complex. And, for me, full of anxiety. Yet I COULD NOT stop doing my art, now that I've finally got going!!!
Thanks for the post Linda. I'm always hungry for reading materials and validation!
Pat
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