Dino # 7 versus Dino #2

Dino #7, 9 in. x 14 in., Acrylic on wood, May 2010

The painting below was the second stab at Dino. Then , I was focusing on capturing a solid stalwartness in the photo that now appears so stylized that it is lost. Then, I was intimidated to actually try for a realism. An actual likeness. I was looking for a feel. But I realize in painting people the subtleties in any everyday expression need to be captured. This is what brings it to life. These subtleties make the feel. In Dino #7, there is a softness in the Rock-of-Gibraltar profile that is lacking in painting below. I am quite happy with the evolution.

Dino #2, 18 in. x 18 in., Acrylic on Wood, 12/2009

For years I have been happy sketching peoples, places and things from life. With sketching I can capture a person in half and hour or less. I have made a couple attempts at painting from life but I feel pressured, constantly aware that there is someone sitting there and that I am being a bad host by making them sit for so long. And so I stick to taking pictures of people and painting from that.

And as I continue to battle the self-doubt in what I am doing with art, experiencing highs and lows, chipping away at my own self-made limitations, every brush stroke takes a piece away from what is holding me back. Every splash of color brings light unto corners in my mind that oh so need it. Therapy is expensive. I'd rather spend the money on art supplies. :)