The first stroke
I pulled out my watercolors this afternoon. I wanted to begin a portrait of my Benjammin kid.
I have a camping photograph with a real smile on the kids face, so I knew that it was one I could use. I chose the colors that I thought would match his blond hair and pink cheeks. Hair color is the more difficult of the two. I tested on scratch paper that I save for just that. The water was prepared and the brushes were chosen; I laid out a clean towel for my little brush rituals and for spills.
Then it hit me, just like it always does. The fear of the first stroke. I just sit there...frozen, scared, wondering what the heck I'm doing thinking I can paint a picture. (In this case a portrait of a grandson.)
The feeling does not pass. I just have to force myself to pick up the brush and find a spot to begin.
I hope to start another watercolor class this September so that I can learn more skills and become more confident. My teacher is amazing. I watch her in fascination and envy. I want to be just like her!
I've discovered, in watching the teacher, that she and I do share one thing in common. She also suffers the fear of the first stroke. I'm in good company.
Just to be entertaining I am posting the very fir
st one of my paintings that made it to a frame. It was done three years ago when I first started classes. Haystack Rock on the Oregon Coast. It hangs and looks better in one of our bathrooms than it does on my blog.
I have a camping photograph with a real smile on the kids face, so I knew that it was one I could use. I chose the colors that I thought would match his blond hair and pink cheeks. Hair color is the more difficult of the two. I tested on scratch paper that I save for just that. The water was prepared and the brushes were chosen; I laid out a clean towel for my little brush rituals and for spills.
Then it hit me, just like it always does. The fear of the first stroke. I just sit there...frozen, scared, wondering what the heck I'm doing thinking I can paint a picture. (In this case a portrait of a grandson.)
The feeling does not pass. I just have to force myself to pick up the brush and find a spot to begin.
I hope to start another watercolor class this September so that I can learn more skills and become more confident. My teacher is amazing. I watch her in fascination and envy. I want to be just like her!
I've discovered, in watching the teacher, that she and I do share one thing in common. She also suffers the fear of the first stroke. I'm in good company.
Just to be entertaining I am posting the very fir
st one of my paintings that made it to a frame. It was done three years ago when I first started classes. Haystack Rock on the Oregon Coast. It hangs and looks better in one of our bathrooms than it does on my blog.
Comments
I'm sure they all get it. Your watercolor is beautiful.
Pass the Torch
You have a Benjamin? So do I!!
Can't wait until you have your Benjamin finished!
I'm so glad that you aren't in hospital, that 'First Stroke' title shook me a bit at first.
And like Willowtree, I had a moment of wondering if you were talking about a STROKE.
Everyone just has to find their own nitch. One of my painting buddies loves flowers and fruit.
Another paints animals.
I've tried alot but have found that I like to paint people more than anything else.
The downside to water colors is you can't paint over them if you boo boo.
I have never tried acrylics, pastels, or oils.
And I'm sorry that I scared anybody... that was a weird title.
Sorry if it was a combobulated post;) And thanks for visiting!!
(You can delete this comment, if you want. I just didn't have your email.)
Ian
You've got talent, chickadee. You inspire me. I'm an artist wanna be, but I don't have have the fear of first stroke, I have the fear of even trying.
Have you begun your portrait yet? :)