Layer by Layer: The Joys of Painting Over Your Past

I grabbed old wooden cradles yesterday. 

The back says 2016….

Had been looking for something to paint on.

Feeling the pull of the paint.

Almost magnetic. And close. Waiting to snap us together. 

And hold tightly.

Do you first critique what you had called finished that time?

That inner critic just comes rolling out; even without being asked.

My colors were ok; mostly good, with a few wonky spots [for me now.]

No calm spots [then] …..Places for the eye to rest. 

Have I grown as an artist? (Hopefully).

Not to mention, my painting tastes have likely changed….

More mature; refined (maybe?)

Either way, I am painting over these. 

And thoroughly enjoyed every minute. 

I sometimes forget how paint feels. 

In the brush. On your fingers. 

The smooth creaminess when you have just the right amount of paint.

That added color you aren’t expecting when you accidentally touch the other paint.

Mixed. 

Do you add more? Of which one?

I have two cradles. 

Do these need to “match”? Are they a pair? That was forever my question (or assumption). If I were painting a pair, they should somehow resemble the other…..

But, I took a class (now many years ago) and the teacher said- “If you are painting them together at the same time- that is enough to essentially make them a pair.”

So in case you struggle with this question as well…. The answer is NO.

And frankly, I like the unmatched with almost every other aspect of my life, why would I want my paintings to match?! Duh. 

Such a silly thought to begin with. 

I haven’t looked at the paintings this morning. Preferred to write and jot this down.

Will assess later.

I recorded for me?.... Anyway there is a video if you are interested. And, I thought sometimes it is nice to have some notes to look at; review. So grab the worksheet.

Sometimes as artists we need permission, so seeing that you can paint over an older painting may be just want you need to see and read. 

Xo. Kristin