Day 16 : #30x30DirectWatercolor2018 : Parking my Expectations
June 16, 2018
[ The Parking Garage Series, CLEARANCE 7’2″ ]
So, I was talking somewhere in these posts, about how the Cycle of Preciousness works for me.
You’re worried about your painting turning out, but, the more you stress the more you hate it, until finally, you give up. You’re going to rip it up, quit painting forever.
That’s when suddenly things flip.
It doesn’t matter now, so you just TRY something. Something wild. Something irresponsible. Some crazy thing that’s never going to work.
That’s me and watercolor right now.
<>
[ The Parking Garage Series, HANDICAPPED PARKING ]
This little series is asking:
How would you paint, if it didn’t matter whether they turned out?
What would you do if you didn’t care if anyone liked it?
~m
20 Comments
leave one →
Citizen Sketcher 
Wowsers! I love these, especially the handicapped parking one- the light, the “red” highlights, the mood. And once again you’ve blown me away with your comments- it’s like an epiphany – OMG “what if…”
I love these too, new way to look at something. Plus I love the colors. And how you have the light coming in. I think you are on to something here!
Wow!! You’ve taken something mundane and made it amazing!! Love this series!!!
What glorious paintings could we all make without the inner rite all voice. These paintings are wonderful, perhaps you’ve started down a new road.
Marc! I love everything about your parking garage, but now even more so after reading your remarks. Thank you!!!
Marc…I think these “so what if it’s awful” thoughts are perhaps the most helpful to me. Even paintings I do that come out OK are still too tight–that is, tighter than I want to be. It’s so hard just to do it and let the watercolor do its thing. But I want to get there. And actually, letting it fly SHOULD be “easier” than trying to control, right? Let’s see where this goes (with me).
These are stunning. Thrilling. You have moved into a new place.
Thanks so much for helping us see things with a new perspective, both in your words and in your painting. I am really struggling with those “Precious paintings” I am trying to produce. I am hoping that my brush has heard how foolish it is to get so tied up in wanting everything to be just so!
Really enjoying your series of these posts Marc. The thought process as much as the artwork and how both evolve during such a challenge. They’ve helped me cycle through the highs and lows of the challenge myself.
Cheers, Chantal
Good question, Marc. I need to think deeply about that one.
I don’t care what they represent… they’re aesthetically pleasing, beautifully abstract. Inspiring.
The Handicapped parking painting reminds me of how Wnslow Homer uses spots of red to lead the eye thru a painting–I’m also a fan of his watercolor works for which he is less well-known. You were definitely in the flow Marc!
Love the parking garage series…so loose and flowing!
How would you paint, if it didn’t matter whether they turned out? What would you do if you didn’t care if anyone liked it?
I would start… I’m ready. I have books. I have paint (decent paint!). I have paper. I have water. Right now (summer break) I have time. I need to do it. :-) Lyn
aliveincolorado.wordpress.com
I hope you go for it! Just starting gets the ball rolling :) get past the inertia :)