"My Nepenthe"
11" x 14" Watercolor
A friend who attended my art show and saw a tiny painting of the scene from the Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur was hoping it would be larger. I offered to do a larger version. I started it last week and finished today. Well, I might add a few more touches. It's always a challenge to recreate a piece. Each one turns out unique, no matter what. Now to mat, frame, and deliver. I am promised a second commission.
Then I turned again to Bob's paternal grandmother, Bertina, from her wedding photo around 1912. I like how I painted the first one, but I didn't have the drawing bang on. So I tried a second time and I still wasn't satisfied. I was encouraged when I talked to an excellent artist at Open Studios this weekend. Rajani said that the painting I was admiring was her third try and she almost gave up. I was encouraged to finish yet a third version, this time in the smaller format to enter in an exhibition of small paintings. I need to live with that one a day or two and likely make small modifications. Then I will post.
8 comments:
Lovely colors, subject, and I have been there...
BJ
Really beautiful, Mary.
"My Nepenthe" is a wonderful piece, Mary. It looks awesome and I know your customer will be thrilled. I love the old photos so much and look forward to see your next version of your husband's grandmother.
This watercolor is gorgeous Mary!!! I so admire your persistence and dedication to craft. Your artistry shines.
Even though I am nowhere near your level of accomplishment, I often remind myself of the saying that goes something like: success can not be obtained if you quit too soon.
Lovely work Mary. Just lovely.
Thanks my good blog friends. This is a scene I love. The colors are an embellishment, but they are a brighter version of what I see when I go there.
Pam, I am just having that "not quitting too soon" experience again. I am experimenting and this first one won't be the final. I need to take another stab at it. Doing it unsuccessfully is helping me get where I want to be.
Very nice Mary.
This is beautiful!! Love it, and yes, doing a second version will never be like the first one, but I think that is the beauty in it!
I remember you saying that the Big Sur Coastline was one of your favourite landscapes, and I can see why! Forest and ocean looks calm and refreshing!
VERY nice painting, Mary.!!
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