I read that emotions play a large part in successful painting - that we need to have some kind of emotional response to the subject. For me it's usually light conditions that have transformed a colour and I feel the need to record it in paint. But can emotions also have a negative effect? There's a place that I've sketched in pencil and watercolour and have tried to use these to make a painting. Its a strong scene, a place of crashing sea and soaring birds and deep aubergine cliffs. The work in oil started well but I've reached a complete standstill - because my emotional response to the place has changed. Initially it was a happy place for me but now all my emotions are negative because of later negative memories . My brushstrokes reflect this and do not dance. The creative process is blocked. Yet, visiting an exhibition of works by The Glasgow Boys I saw a watercolour showing a horse being gored at a bullfight, by Joseph Crawhill, who abhored the cruelty he believed he was seeing. Its a very strong image and shows his emotional response. So should I persevere at present - or wait until a future time when I hope I can remember my initial response to the colours and strength of the place instead?
The exhibition, The Glasgow Boys, is at The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow - and is breathtaking. www.glasgowmuseums.com
It seems to me that if you carry on with this project, the painting you'll produce will be one coloured by those negative associations. That doesn't seem to be what you want, in which case waiting until you can take a more even view of the subject would be preferable. But that's just my opinion. You must decide for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Glasgow Boys exhibition, too, by the way.
Interesting question...trying to work through the negative emotions in a piece that has you stopped cold...I wonder if you would allow the colors and brush strokes to reflect your feelings above and beyond the 'seen' image? It might not 'look' like the scene but reflect your feelings instead...it might be a piece for you alone or maybe it would be okay to share in the world...my take... as I have come up against places and overwhelming emotions.
ReplyDeleteThankyou for your comments. Two thought provoking answers. Time to leave aside for the moment maybe and return at a future time because I do want to try to capture what inspired me in the first place.
ReplyDeletesince I tend to avoid these situations, I can sympathize. but it would be interesting to let the process take you, not you trying to govern the process . . . ? i think we believe creativity should be beautiful and positive. sometimes it just "is" -- . good luck, Bridget!
ReplyDeleteYes, that has happened to me in a similar way and I put away the unfinished painting, until about two years later I coincidentally found it again.
ReplyDeleteBy then I had overcome my negative feelings and reworked it with a fresh approach, which turned out very well....
So, I would wait.
Its so good to know I'm not alone - merely human i guess! Thankyou all for your help.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting blog - I'm glad I've found it! I am currently studying on a part time MA programme and my practical work is concerned with my own emotional responses to locations. You have given me more food for thought!
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