The featured image above, a small, 5 x 7 inch, second pass of the scene, is really not the subject of this post. I actually am very fond of it, but the real topic here is the decision on the same day to paint over an earlier (January 4th, 2020), larger picture. I don’t do that so often, it feels somehow wrong, defeatist, and revisionary.
I lived with this painting for many weeks and tried to be happy with it. There was much I liked: it was a reasonably accurate depiction of the atmospheric effects on that particular day, and it was less… what – “definitive” than my usual work. Plus, it was very cold when I painted it, and therefore represented concrete evidence of my micro-moment of discomfort! But it always felt insubstantial – wishy-washy, and I couldn’t shake that off. Apologies to Paul J whose positive response on completion greatly heartened me. But…
As we enter unchartered territory – intimidating terrain, this all seems – and possibly is, trivial. Nevertheless, being open to change and seeking out beauty is always worthwhile.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!