A harsh dose of reality
I have invested a lot of time and a lot myself into my latest drawing. I got a critique on it last night that basically snowballed into massive 'this is what you need to fix" by a whole bunch of different people. I went to bed discouraged and saddened that a picture I had loved so deeply and put so much into could be so...so...bad. I fell out of love. I still haven't regained that love back. I don't know that I ever will.
Amidst all the 'it's too busy and the boy gets lost and you need to do this and you need to do that.." came one shining, yet helpful critique. In his eyes it was the imperfections that really made the piece - if you look at it no I did not follow the "rules" of art but he says that's why the picture works in his eyes.
I had a choice - my choice was to try and "fix" my piece or continue on with the piece as is - learn from the critiques - and apply them to my next drawing. I have decided to just continue on with the piece as is - bucking the system and conventional rules and apply the critiques I have received next time.
In the end I am not drawing this for anybody else but me. I am disheartened - I am a little bummed that the piece I thought wasn't half bad has turned out to be completely lackluster and essentially (according to many - not good). But the piece stands - as a reminder of my current skill level and as a reminder that nothing in this world is perfect and what fun would it be if we all played by the rules all the time.
So - it shall continue - it shall stay as is - it shall adorn my walls and my walls only and be appreciated by myself and my family.
The unfinished - lackluster - breaking all rules of art - drawing. I don't need anymore critiques - I have gotten a cupful and half - pretty much understand the boy blends into the background - that the trees are too crisp and clear - the list goes on - I get it..lol..it is what it is (I swear this is my new favorite saying)
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Comment by Pat on January 30, 2013 at 8:54am -
Well, I love it! I never studied art and don't know the rules. But I love how the boys shirt blends in to the whole nature scene. That's the first thing I noticed and I thought, wow that's pretty neat. I like how the trees and the boy are clear, they look like they both stand out to me. Keep going Chanda!
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Comment by Elizabeth Severinson on January 30, 2013 at 9:26am -
I agree with Pat! I love it! I too, have not studied art, but rather am self taught. I do not feel that the boy blends in so much that you are not able to see him, but rather, because of the crispness of the tress in back, there is a subtle definition about it that I find very intriquing. (sp?) Truly, I think it is amazing and would be proud to display it. You should most certainly continue with it and let us see it again when you are finished. Please??
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Comment by Elizabeth Severinson on January 30, 2013 at 9:27am
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BTW I don't feel it is always a bad thing to break a few rules...LOL
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Comment by Chanda Monk on January 30, 2013 at 9:51am -
Thank you both so much. I have had minimal training but for the most part am completely self taught as well. I appreciate your comments very much.
I have learned from this experience - I will take what I learned and apply it to my next piece but I think - this piece needs to stay as it is as a reminder of where I goofed..I like to do that...if I "fixed" this as so many people seem to think I need to do - I wouldn't remember so much of what was really wrong. Kind of a strange way of looking at it I suppose.
I do clearly understand and see what people have told me and I seriously appreciate the critique. I would never get better without it!
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Comment by Cat Demkiw on January 30, 2013 at 1:26pm -
First rules are made to be broken and good for you I LOVE your art and this one reminds me of my lil grandson. Art is in the eye of the beholder I suppose. Always create for yourself first Chandra as I say "a creative mind settles the soul and fills the heart" keep up with your amazing talent!
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Comment by Jeffrey A. Knight on January 31, 2013 at 11:20am -
Nice art -- your art is beautiful -- you must believe -- some people can be a roadblock -- have a great art day !!!
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Comment by Chanda Monk on January 31, 2013 at 11:31am
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Thank you all for your kind words. I have taken a lot from this drawing - I realize that my focus on the details is both good and bad. I am ready to start my next drawing and I am going to take the critiques I have gotten and apply them to it. I hope that each piece will bring me up to a higher level artistically!
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Comment by Randi R. Vaughan on January 31, 2013 at 12:13pm -
I see what the critics pointed out but that's okay, it's YOUR ARTWORK DONE WITH YOUR PASSION. You were proud of it, you had a sense a pride of completing it and that should be what you were striving for. We all improve our skills with each mark on the paper we make. Do not let the criticism break you down. Even the Great Masters went through harsh doses of reality from time to time. Just smile and nod and move on to the next project.
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Comment by Jazzylady on February 4, 2013 at 10:19am -
You should just keep in mind what was said and what YOU think could be better. People will tell you a lot and not always for the best reason.
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Comment by Marianne Leo on February 6, 2013 at 11:11am
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I really love your drawing . I like the crisp detailed background of the trees,I think it makes your drawing pop. I don't think you should worry about what other people think so much you will never please everyone. Your drawing is beautiful.
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