Okay, you've tolerated my obsession with Mount Hood and a remembrance of Mr. Reeves, so it's about time to feature some painting again. A "thank-you" portrait has been on the easel for over a month now, but I can't show it until it's completed. So, ladies and gentlemen, here, for your consideration, is a painting discovered deep in the cyberspace archives.
This photo, another in my never-ending series of "portraits" of my old flight boots was taken in 2007. For some reason, the painting was destroyed and only this image remains. My guess is the composition must have bothered me. Can't remember for sure. It's kind of interesting what you run across when scouring old, forgotten photos.
I see nothing wrong with this one. But I've done some that I don't like that other people do. I'm surprised you don't remember what it was that you didn't like. My first thought was "this is a good one".
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Kevin,
ReplyDeleteMy initial feeling matched yours. I mean, it really grabbed my eye that night, despite the number of old paintings I'd looked at. All I could remember for certain, was that it was gone.
I did manage to recall wanting to find an interesting way to pose the boots--a pose which was "unique in the history of shoe or boot paintings". I could never be accused of setting my goals too low!
As you mentioned, sometimes we are the hardest critics to please and this must have been the case here.
The version hanging in our living room will always be the one to beat. I know we're not supposed to think like this, but I do. If I can't (in my heart of hearts) do it better, the effort will be trashed. That looming "test" won't stop me from trying again some day, however. Hope springs eternal and if, or when, inspiration strikes again, the boots may live on in a fifth version.
Finally Kevin, I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow, including the egg nog!
Sincerely,
Gary.
Everything came together in your boot painting. It stands on its own and I think It would be hard to duplicate that effort with the same subject unless you were going for an entirely different look. You know how some pieces you do hold up over time, and others you thought were good end up getting topped. Then you think about the mistakes you didn't see in the other one. But there might be a point when you believe you can do better. And you might.
DeleteHi Gary. I'm enjoying being off the leash and at last able to catch up with what friends have been painting.
ReplyDeleteWhat fantastic boots! As always, you are too hard on yourself. The composition is splendid, with the two facing the other way, like lovers on a divan. A great still life.
But what makes this special is that it goes beyond still life. I would call this a portrait. Just like Vincent's boots, this painting tells us about the absent wearer, bring him into the present.
Consummate work!!
Hi Harry,
ReplyDeleteIt's great to have you back and free again. The world has been waiting for this moment and if I may be so bold as to speak on the world's behalf...YES!...SWEET!...FINALLY!
I love your analysis of the painting, but you always could create exquisite works with words, as well as, paint. Who knows if I'll ever try this subject again. Maybe the few in existence are sufficient.
Thanks for stopping by, Harry. You have been sorely missed.
Sincerely,
Gary.
great painting...wish we knew where it went to!
ReplyDeleteHi Ms Busy,
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised you found the time and energy to write, Celeste! I can't believe how much art stuff you do and are still able to publish your blog. I plod along, working on a single painting for months, going nowhere, seeing no one and in that same time, you've been in at least three or four shows, weekly studio sessions, several plein air excursions and countless art breakfasts, lunches and dinners! Geez, Louise!
And I can't even remember when or why I destroyed this painting! Since it's a long time ago, I'll just say thanks and I'm happy you liked it. That, and I hope you have a typically energized week ahead.
Sincerely,
Gary.