Friday, September 24, 2010

Reflections

Reflections color pencils 4x4"
I have been planning and sketching. I discovered those sketches don't show well in photographs.  Fortunately I still have a couple more finished pieces from way back when -except they are under glass, framed and sealed :( These wooden spoons and tin mugs with reflections caught my eye in Colonial Williamsburg 'market place' many years ago and I tried them out in color pencils on tinted paper. It is a small piece framed and under glass-too well sealed- which once again I had difficulty photographing.  I welcome any suggestions, tips and tricks from fellow artists - what are your experiences and solutions for photographing issues?

I came across a very interesting story in the blog  "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin.  She calls the story a Koan on creativity and credits it to Arthur Koestler's book  "the Art of Creativity' :  " An art dealer (this story is authentic) bought a canvas signed "Picasso" and traveled all the way to Cannes to discover whether it was genuine. Picasso was working in his studio. He cast a single look at the canvas and said:"its a fake." A few months later the dealer bought another canvas signed Picasso. Again he travelled to Cannes and again Picasso, after a single glance, grunted "Its a fake"   "But cher maitre" expostulated the dealer, "it so happens that I saw you with my own eyes working on this very picture several years ago"  Picasso shrugged: "I often paint fakes"

Gretchen's comments in that blog really resonated with me. She asks- "Do you know this feeling, feeling of painting your own fake?"  I always worry about painting pieces that don't quite feel authentic or that I did not perhaps give my best.  Now I know the perfect answer for those doubts :).  Of course, that question will be included in the ones I often ask as I evaluate my finished painting.  I am also eager to  read Koestler's book "the Art of Creativity"

13 comments:

Hema Penmetsa said...

Color pencils? Wow, I never would've guessed! I love the distorted reflections of the spoons on the mugs.

And the question you ask about the feeling of painting your own fake? I paint/sketch at a much more amateurish level, but am currently working on a manuscript. So, yes, I have experience with the nagging doubts that a particular chapter or scene (of writing) may not be my best, unfortunately :).

Meera Rao said...

Thanks Hema! - sometimes it is amazing that I finish any piece at all :) I have to keep reminding me that its a journey, let go and enjoy!!!

Thaikaden said...

Very nice work.

Meera Rao said...

Thanks! I really appreciate it :)

Kathy Staicer said...

A great picture and wonderful reflections.

Meera Rao said...

Thank you, Kathy :) . Reflections are always a challenge!

Crystal Cook said...

Wow Meera! These spoons and reflections are so beautiful! I love the repetition of shapes :)

And that Picasso story is so great, love it.

Meera Rao said...

Thanks Crystal! Yes, isn't that a wonderful story?

M R Anand said...

the glass mugs and the wooden spoon have been painted fabulously! I didnt know Picasso was a great painter of fakes! thanks for the story...

Melanie Statnick said...

wow i love this! what a great compos.

Meera Rao said...

@Sparrowhawk -- thank you :) I was glad it was a miniature - sure tested my patience!

Melanie, thanks! It turned out to be more fun than I anticipated :)

B said...

love the colors composition and the choice of subject matter itslef ..its looks really really good....and the story to go with it is always a plus Meera

Meera Rao said...

Thank you B -- I love the support I get from you :)

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