RE-WORKING VS THE NEXT STEP
I felt like my last several pieces were a bit stiff and unemotional, so I decided to do some quick paper pieces. Working on paper always seems to loosen me up and get me back on track. “Untitled”, 16”x 12”, charcoal and acrylic on paper. © 2020 David Limrite
“It doesn’t matter how a thing starts off. What matters is paying attention to where the ideas are leading you. Because when you think you’re leading them, that’s when you get into trouble.”
David Lynch, Film Director
Re-working vs The Next Step
Re-working a painting usually means that you are attempting to finish it, which conjure up fear of failure or fear of potentially ruining it. Right?
So, instead, you start a new painting, which is way more fun and exciting. And, less stressful than having to re-work a painting in order to have to finish it.
For me, it’s about the choice of words:
- Instead of “re-working”, how about “taking the next step”.
- Instead of “finishing”, how about “completing”.
- Instead of “correcting”, how about “adjusting”.
If and when you decide to “re-work” a painting, it’s best if you know exactly what you are going to do. If you don’t know what the next step is, don’t work on it yet. However, if you know that you want to change the background from blue to red, then you know your “next step” and can proceed.
It helps me to ask myself a couple of questions:
“What does this painting really need”?
“What does this painting want from me”?
I also remind myself that knowing the next step and implementing it will always be a learning experience. And, an opportunity to build confidence. And, a chance to conquer fear.
“How little do I need to do to this painting in order to have it be more successful”?
It is usually never about re-painting the entire painting.
What is the most important thing that your painting needs? Decide and do that thing first. Re-evaluate, and then do the next thing. Take the next step. Evaluating each next step is important because that next step may have completed the painting. Taking too many steps without evaluating often leads to overworking.
Trust your current talent, skill and ability to decide.
You can always re-work a re-work.
Best,
David