Fearless Friday, The Ugly Stage
Many artists experience what is known as the ugly stage…
the time during the painting process
where you think your painting is a hot mess
and you are ready to toss it
The ugly stage usually occurs when you’re well into the painting,
It occurs after you’ve established the composition
It occurs once you begin to refine it,
and begin the finishing process…
the photo below is “the ugly stage” of this painting
when I began to doubt the outcome,
and how I could possibly keep it
from looking like a Kindergarten creation
but instead of giving up,
it won’t hurt to try and fix it
since you feel like it’s a lost cause anyway…
so keep going!!
I added more small leaves and grasses,
more layers of color to some of the flowers and petals
and gave the flowers dignity and definition
with a waterproof .01 micron pen…
Much better!
“Flower Dance” 9″ x 12″ watercolor on 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper
Another tip that I feel is really important is: walk away…
when you get to the point that you are feeling rushed,
or are making bad decisions, stop!
Put the painting aside and go do something else~
leave it alone for a day or two…
you will be amazed when you return with fresh eyes,
and are able to see what it needs,
sometimes it’s just a matter of a stroke here and there,
or a dash of color or one more highlight…
So Be Fearless and never give up!
I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:
Sundays on Silverado Love Your Creativity Over the Moon
Between Naps on the Porch, Celebrate Your Story,
All About Home/ Common Ground Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Tasty Tuesday Oh My Heartsie Girl Turn About Tuesday
Full Plate Thursday Centerpiece Wednesday Creatively Crafty
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wow … the finished one is just beautiful! Keep going is definitely the right decision.
Thank you Angie!
It is fun to get an inside glimpse of your creative process.
Thank you Bernadette 🙂
I love the “flowers dance” painting. You definitely made the right decision to continue the process, rather than toss it. Happy Friday, Jenna
Thank you Pam, happy weekend!
I LOVE that you said it gives the flowers dignity and definition with the waterproof pen. I know that feeling intimately and you are spot on with walking away. Sometimes if you walk away and later return, you realize it really is finished and sometimes you can see more clearly what you have to do to fix it. I love this piece, Jenna. It’s very happy! Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks Jeanie, isn’t it amazing what a couple of strokes of a pen can do!
Beautiful! Have a great weekend Jenna. 🙂
Thanks Martha, you too!
So beautiful!
Thanks Dorothy, Happy weekend!
How whimsical this turned out—sometimes you just have to go with it…and see how it WANTS to be…grins! Sandi
Thanks Sandi!
Oh my word, Jenna. Your painting actually bloomed from when you started to where you completed it! I’m so glad you kept going. Honestly, the red bloom took on such a happy personality by the time you finished! I absolutely LOVE the finished product! Bravo!
thanks so much Rosie, it’s amazing what a few strokes of a pen can do!
Such great advice, Jenna! I love the added ink detail. Beautiful flowers!! 🌼🌸
Thank you Patty Anne, you always create magic with your pen too!
Thanks, Jenna! 😊
Even your “ugly stage” looked good to me ! 😃 However, when you added the extra details, it really came alive and I love the name, “Flower Dance”, very fitting. Well done, Miss Jenna!
Thanks so much Cyndi! I hope you’re having a wonderful summer!
Your ‘Flower Dance’ is very pretty and so cheerful to look at! You’re too funny ~ kindergarten creation.
Thanks Allyson 🌺