A few weeks ago I had a mentoring session with one of my favorite artists, Abbey Ryan. The first painting I completed after our session was this one of a single red pear.
I am not sure I love it. So today I went in and revised it.
Not sure how I feel about it now that I painted the background ivory black. I feel like it needs further revision. All of this leads me to question myself. Just because I don’t want to look at a painting does that mean the painting is no good?
A week or so ago I was faced with this same question when I repainted dice. I could over analyze things and comment on how there is a lot of art out there that doesn’t interest me but others worship. The first painting I did of the dice, I could see countless things about it that I simply disliked. I could also see things in it that I liked and appreciated. Ultimately, I threw it away with some old paint tubes and a tattered paint box. I was given a ‘hard time’ by my loved ones about this disposal. I am reminded of the quote: ‘The artist belongs to his work, not the work to the artist.’ —Novalis I feel justified in starting over, throwing out work I don’t approve, and repainting a piece. Right?
My best,
Emily Warren
emilywarrenart.com
www.saatchiart.com/emilywarren
Emily Warren 