Pages

Saturday 30 April 2011

The Virtual Paintout - April 2011 Challenge

I think I'm all "challenged-out" - whatever that means. Lately, well in fact for almost two years now, most of my paintings have been for challenge blogs, fun - yes, but things are changing in my artistic life. I am feeling the need to investigate what has importance for me and this covers many things. Sending work into challenges is fun and I take it seriously in that I try to send in something worthy of the challenge, but I am not pursuing anything personal, conceptual or even technically challenging, and most of the work I am doing is done as quickly as possible to meet deadlines. I love both "The Virtual Paintout" and Sherry Massey's "History of Art Challenge" blogs but I have so little spare time now that I intend to send in work only when I have a free spot in the calendar and after I have done my own personal work. I loved doing this 'Japan' challenge and had two other works to send in as well but just couldn't complete them partly due to time limitations but also my mind was elsewhere painting different pictures and that situation doesn't work for me. I'm not sure what all of this means nor do I have fixed goals right now, but I'm going to take some time out from challenges for a while to see what that extra time gives me to work on other projects. Weird how things morph through time. It's time for me to relax somewhat and see what comes towards me for investigation instead of responding to others' visions, even though I am so grateful for them. Someone as independent as this writer needs to set her own challenges. I'll talk more of this later, I had better post this and send off my challenge for Japan to The Virtual Paintout.

"Wires above Shinjuku, Tokyo" - Gouache on Paper - 9.5" x 9.5"

Click HERE for street scene used.

8 comments:

Chartan said...

I understand completely. Challenge blogs are wonderful motivation and I truly respect the people that organize and maintain them. I know for myself, I am feeling that I need the stimulation of human contact and feedback. Not quite sure what to do about it :-(.

But I must say the above painting is outstanding, I always enjoy your entries to the VP about the most. I gave it up as I am so awful at landscapes and buildings. I NEED an instructor and classwork. sigh.

Anne C M Campbell said...

Thanks for your compliment re above painting Charlotte. Yes, the VPO brought the best out of me and it's such an educational challenge blog. Will always love it. (P.S. your landscapes are not awful!)

I need classes too and I need bigger and deeper projects that are more akin to me personally. I agree about stimulation. Lots to think about & workshops in Florence come to mind...but so much £££$$$$ is required. All this unrequitedness I feel at present.

Autumn Leaves said...

Totally understand, Anne. I do hope that my art history challenge is more of a jumping off point for you to search within and do something that you find intriguing. That is why I try so hard to leave it so broad. I find that I get tired of seeing the same paintings again and again through the blogs. I sometimes forget who has done them! But still, if you don't have the time or energy so you can use what little spare time you do have to grow yourself as an artist...Well, frankly I find that exciting too!

And by the way, this piece is fabulous. Love the pink in there! (Isn't having to work a drag when you just want to stay home and create art in any form that moves you at the moment? I have to admit that I'm pretty tired out and just don't get as much done as I'd like to do.)

Anne C M Campbell said...

Thanks Sherry. Yes, your art history challenge is wonderful in the sense that it allows participants a wider brief. That's why I love it. To paint all day would be just wonderful. A dream....:-)

artybecca said...

Anne, I love your Japan painting -- the big black lines, bright colors against the pale pink on the right. Very visually appealing! The VP challenge is a clever idea... such a broad theme means everyone usually finds a scene to inspire them. But like you say, sometimes what's lacking is time, not necessarily inspiration. I love to do the VP when I can fit it in, or when I happen upon a scene that I just love and can't wait to put on paper.

Anne C M Campbell said...

Artybecca - Thank You! Yes, the VP challenge is genius in its broad scope. Like you, I might pop in when there is a scene that grabs me!

Renee Brennan said...

LOVE your VP Japan painting it is very striking!!!

I have missed many of the challenges out there because of my own procrastination or just lack of time...We will see your lovely paintings soon I hope!

Anne C M Campbell said...

Thanks so much for the compliment Renee. Yes, I shall still be posting paintings but challenges won't be my main starting point. Thanks.