So my latest painting is done, I like some elements of it, but not others. This seems to be the way with anything I produce. I’m often criticised for being too representational and tight with my stuff and I guess the experts are right, but I've never seen any experts I come across produce anything really representational. Don't get me wrong I really like a lot of abstract stuff and much of it shows imagination and great skill but it’s also a great place to hide.
I do want to ‘loosen up’ when I paint but I also like shape and form, I think the early impressionists got it about right, producing shape and form with light and colour, I always think they manage to paint our memories of scenes, the emotional connection, rather than just shapes. Those artistic innovators had real basic skills and invested their training and talent into wonderful canvases.
I’m a hobbyist, an amateur and I just plain enjoy what I do, I’m also way too old to change and wise enough to know it doesn’t really matter.
Thanks for looking/reading.