Maybe it is the fact that they are unplanned.
Or maybe it is the pretty colors.
Or maybe even that i was NOT going to "use" them in any way!
Sometimes, when i start a piece that I have plans for, like if i want it to "become" fabric, or a card set, or a page of a book, then the pressure is on to do it perfectly.
With these, as with a mandala, there is no right or wrong really, and i can just have fun.
In my head, as i have been for weeks, i am still trying to come up with the cutest, friendliest and at the same time slightly scary monster for the fabric series I wanted to make, but this type of watercolor monster was just a bit of practice in my sketchbook, and so i was free to play. I don't have any idea what the monster will look like when I start just smudging on watercolor paint. But then it appears!
Sometimes a bit of play is just what you need, and sometimes the play ends up better than the planned piece.
And if that happens, even if it is in my sketchbook, i can still use it for the end product since most of my end projects now involve a print or photo of the art and not the original anyway.
So really, after saying all that, now I realize The Difference is all in my head.
If i could start every piece with the same attitude i start these watercolor monsters then painting would ALWAYS be just fun.
(Well, it mostly is just fun anyhow)
but my point is; I do sometimes get caught up in wanting perfection right from the start.
And by wanting it, it becomes more a chore than a joy.
We all need more joy!
Happy PPf!
these monsters are so adorable! I like your method - painting and then draw in - perhaps I should give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI understand the need to perfect a piece but it's fun to just create freely without too much thinking. when I start to work obsessively, then I stop and step away. not looking at the piece for a while does help a little seeing it again later.
have a lovely day.
Oh these are great. I especially like the "octomonster";-)
ReplyDeleteThe monsters are wonderful, I especially love the happy birthday monster. Cats are always glad to prevent their people from working! Happy PPF, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous monsters... I'm sure they would be a huge hit in a children's book.
ReplyDeleteHappy PPF to you
These are amazing monsters and I love them!!!!
ReplyDeleteAgreed Andrea! Pieces I plan ultimately take many times longer too! Too much judgement and critique as I go whereas, when I just dive into any form of making with the "see where it takes me" approach, it always gets done so much quicker and is usually just as pleasing. . . and yes, moe joyful. :)
ReplyDeleteThese monsters are WONDERFUL! :)
So, by all means, play, play, play!
really liking all of the colourful monsters you have been creating :D I find them all so cute and kids would probably find them scary too :)
ReplyDeleteIn love with your monsters..especially the Birthday one! The cutest every.I could see a childs theme room around that adorable face!! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
I adore your monsters! My cats do the same thing lol
ReplyDelete