So you think you can paint!

[Sharon Knettell]

*

[Michele Rushworth]

Love that paper bride painting!

Sounds like you need a vacation. I firmly believe that there's nothing that two weeks in Tahiti wouldn't cure. Then again, if that's not in the cards a couple of weeks doing plein air painting or still lifes just for a change of pace might do the trick.

[Richard Monro]

Sharon,
I agree with Michele. You are too great a painter to have permanent painter's block. Time for a vacation. Tahiti sounds great. i loved being there. Actually I unintentionally jumped ship there...but that is another story. We all need a change from work to recharge batteries. After a break you will find a renewed vigor when you come back to the easel.

[Kimberly Dow]

Wow, that is beautiful. Pass me a serving of depression please.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Sharon, I just wrote you a long response and my AOL service was "interrupted" before I could post it! GRRRRR!

The jist of my long-winded post is: It sounds as though you are trying to break through to the "next level" in your work.

I've gone through periods like that, too, when nothing seems to be working, and I desperately want to paint better so I can be as good as this artist or that artist!

For the past few years I've been taking more time to paint outside and from live models. Usually I feel I'm working and working and not seeing any improvement, and then one day I look back at things I painted two years ago and I suddenly see a big difference.

The things that might help are sometimes the very things you don't feel like doing, like changing your way of using color, changing your medium, changing from portraits to landscapes. I think this was already suggested. If I force myself to try something I've been putting off trying, or I've been scared to try, it usually helps. If you are really honest with yourself and take the time to realize what you need (because we all need something), that might lead to some breakthrough!

[Jean Kelly]

What an amazing painting!

Your drive will come back, your work is too powerful to be kept inside for long. I expect an explosion soon.

Jean

[Linda Brandon]

Originally Posted by Sharon Knettell

Michele, Richard , what is sad is I just had taken a LOT of time off and gone to Phoenix and California.

We did not get you relaxed enough when you were out here!

I also get depressed when I see fabulous works by other painters, which would include me going to your website, Ms. Knettell. Do not doubt that you serve the same function - to inspire (and depress) other artists.

Jean is right, when your art explosion happens, we will all have to stand way back... .

[Carlos Ygoa]

Come here and we will not hide the wine from you. Nor will we hide the olive oil (which we DON

[Julie Deane]

Sharon -

In a twisted sort of way, I'm relieved to hear that artists I admire, like you, have slumps and feel depressed comparing themselves to other artists. Gives me hope!

Right now, I am doing a still life to integrate what I am learning, hoping for an artistic breakthrough down the road.

[Linda Brandon]

Originally Posted by Sharon Knettell

. Why she climbed her OWN trees to get me those wonderful tangerines.

Aw, shucks, I only picked the ones I could easily reach, due to slothfulness.

The only wines I might hide from guests would be a good Alsatian Gerwertztraminer, certain New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, and of course any Champagne.

Carlos, remember that all of us would love an invitation to Spain!