12 June 2008

prodigy progeny

Gabby's 18x24 acrylic on canvas panel, $2000

The studio is tooo hot. In Feb. it was toooo cold. I can only paint when it's juuust right. Ideally, I would be painting in a passive-solar straw bale studio with low-e windows. I'd try a cave, but I think the lighting wouldn't be good.

Since I don't have a painting of my own today, here is an acrylic done by my little goldie locks. Always seen with a sketchbook in her (graphite-smudged) hand, this was her first painting, which she did in school, at age 13. The reference photo was her work as well. She is really something. I am proud of the way she got those values right and restrained the use of detail. She painted what she saw, and she sees really well!

added: I forgot the music again. Hmm, sweltering heat. Let's listen to Janis Joplin and Mungo Jerry.


11 comments:

Cara said...

First of all - your daughter's painting is fantastic for her age. Heck, I wish I could have that much talent at my age.

I can relate so much to your writing. We seem to suffer from so many of the same artist maladies. I also feel like everything has to be "just so" for me to go into my studio. I think for me its a delay tactic - avoidance - something I need to overcome.

Dar Presto said...

With a Hog in the driveway, I suppose you find some fun ways to procrastinate! But I'm too chicken. I just bum a ride once a year or so.

The editor of Empty Easel wrote about enjoying his product more than his process, which differs from that widely held image of the happy painter sloshing paint about. I was so relieved to read it.I had no idea the amount of physical and mental energy I would be putting into my sessions.

Cara said...

As I read your reply I also found it comforting to know that other's find it taxing at times (most of the time).

I can't help but be curious as to whether or not your daughter finds it difficult - or is there a ease that youth give her that we should investigate?

Dar Presto said...

Gabby says 'thank you' for admiring her work. She said it came rather easily for her. Drawing daily has honed her observational skills, but I would guess that being carefree helped.

If youth is a factor, then I'm OK since I decided I'm not going to age. And you are apparently immortal, a definite advantage.

Anonymous said...

That is a very nice work. How neat to have a daughter that paints.

I'm with you on the climate control. Here in Southern California close, but not too close to the coast is an almost perfect environment.

Dar Presto said...

yeah, now if I could get her off the couch to paint again, or maybe make me some lunch, things would be good.

Anonymous said...

Hey, Dar, yoo-hoo. Are you on vacation or just waiting for the ideal temperature to paint?

Dar Presto said...

a little vacation from painting to attend to things around the house. I wear the toolbelt. I know, I'm killing my blog. I'll try again soon.

Anonymous said...

You fix stuff? Hold'er right there, Newt, can you stop by and do some rescreening for me? I'll make you some lunch.

Dar Presto said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dar Presto said...

will work for food