Sunday, April 22, 2012

Overcoming The Ugly Stage

I can't speak for any other artist, but one thing in common that almost every art project that I've done has had is: a phase during the process when it just looks ugly.


That's where what I see on the canvas doesn't match what's in my imagination. Not by a long shot. In fact, I've long given it an official name: The Ugly Stage. 

Don't believe me? Here are some examples from my archives... I'll give one shot of The Ugly Stage, and then the finished painting: (can click pics to enlarge)

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER



What's the antidote for getting past The Ugly Stage without dumping all your paints in the trash in frustration??

Self-belief 

That's it, really. No magic, no big deep esoteric formula. 

Just believe in yourself. 
Believe in the process. 
Believe that if you don't give up, you'll see progress. 
Trust in your process. 

It's so easy to doubt yourself during The Ugly Stage. Don't Listen!! 

Believe in yourself, in your potential.

Oh sure, there are times I DO say "oops, that was a learning experience!" That's part of the fun of learning and trying new things, new ideas and techniques.  But most of the time, for me I find it's simply The Ugly Stage.

So... I stubbornly refuse to give up, and keep going with my initial concept in my mind, believing that it will appear. 

I don't usually totally meet the expectations of my Imagination... but I keep trying. The payoff is when once in a great while, something actually exceeds my expectations, and I almost have tears of joy.

Such is the case with my current project. I'm not at liberty yet to share it... it's a commission. I know, I know! In my last post I said I didn't enjoy commission work! What can I say? When along comes a project that calls to your heart... the only answer to give is... Yes. :-}

Happy painting, even through the Ugly Stages,

Retta

8 comments:

  1. I like this post.... Believe in yourself!

    It's such an amazing thing when you begin to have the courage to act on that belief.

    You are incredibly patient and persistent. I guess that's why your art is so beautiful

    Blessings

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    1. Thanks, Anne.
      Persistent yes... I'm not too sure about patient though, LOL!

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  2. every thing in life has the ugly stage...it can be applied everywhere...the self doubt stage....

    and the only cure...you said it....Self- Belief

    another of your words....consistency
    I am learning first hand that daily practice leads to belief

    xoxo

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    1. As I was writing this, Jules, I was thinking the exact same thing... that it applies all across the board, in all areas. :-)

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  3. I can relate. There's an ugly phase in writing, too. Where I want to dump the whole ms in the trash. I keep telling myself it'll get better, and it always does.

    I think your art is amazing. Seems the creative process is similar no matter the art form. Down and dirty, and then we rework what's there into something we consider beautiful. I use the metaphor of clay. I slop clay down, then mold and remold. In the end I add some paint and varnish.

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    1. I love your clay metaphor! And I understand the imagery. One of my favorite classes in high school was ceramics, and schmooshing the wet clay around. Starting from a sticky lump of nuthin, and molding it into sumpthin. :-)

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  4. NICE! Believe before evidence appears!! Love it.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by, Coach Dayne!

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