I am speaking for me but there is no emotion when I simply paint someone else’s design. But is nowhere close to the opening of the soul that happens when you create from your core. There is a bit of sharing when you pick the pattern you want to reproduce or paint. It is true that decorative art is all about technique except for those that actually create patterns and designs. Actually a friend of mine said one day that decorative artists are only “good technicians” and I felt a bit insulted by this statement. Unless you create, you don’t normally see the difference. I think this is the main difference between doing artwork and doing “decorative art” or “crafts”. The only way to do this is to paint first and foremost for ourselves. I think we are looking for understanding, for people to peek into our heart and soul, to share something joyful we feel in our core, or sad in some cases. Before they wonder will this fit in my living room, in my dining room? Is this the right color? To go deep into his or her soul and somehow touch a part of them, light a switch, create a “Ah !” moment before the analysis takes over. When you offer a painting to an audience, you are trying to touch the onlooker. This depends on so many different ideas and criteria, that vary according to the individual staring at the painting. Unless you are a really experienced artist, that knows what his public wants, it is hard to judge how the painting will be received. Are we just asking for people to understand us a little better? Difficult to say… Questions, because you just don’t know how your painting will be received. Expectations, because you want this new painting to be better than the last one, to be truer, to expose you a little bit more. When you love painting, this anxiety is mixed with expectations and questions. Just like writers are told to write everyday no matter what comes out to exercise the writing muscle, painters, sculptors, artists must practice their craft everyday even if we can give it only half an hour.

Some days are better than others but all days spent painting, each minute, are a step on the path the painter wants to follow, meaning forward, learning, progressing. It is an art in itself to be able to do this properly and rapidly, but the best way to learn and reduce this anxiety of the first stroke is really to practice, practice, practice. True, there is technique and we can learn to mix colors. Will that first touch of paint, that very first brushstroke be right? Will the color show how my mind’s eye expects or sees it or will it be totally wrong and send me in a tailspin of wondering, of corrections and self-doubt, of inquiring and research? The blank canvas might be yellow or brown or blue or white, it still represents a challenge. If it can be useful to judge the tone or unify the painting, it remains a blank canvas. The famous blank canvas… Some say that if you put a coat of background color or rather an undercoat, you erase the stigma of the blank canvas. It is often difficult to get going and start a new painting.

law, the artist retains reproduction rights and copyright of her created pieces unless she has expressly given her written and signed consent.Today, I am reflecting on the art, on the work of painting, on the world of painting. If a painting is damaged during shipping, Jess can work out a return and refund with you.Ĭopyright: As is true with all art under U.S. This means Jess cannot accept a return if it doesn't match or you change your mind.

Please be sure you love the painting before you purchase it. Paintings are not sold 'upon approval'. If you just aren't sure about the painting or its colors, she will be happy to send more photos with close ups. Jess works hard to have clear and accurate photos, but color nuances cannot be captured perfectly by digital media and vary from screen to screen. Signature required on shipments of all original work. Jess wraps the painting in craft paper and foam, then packs it into sturdy cardboard boxes with crumpled newspaper and chipboard cushioning on all sides. )Īll other international collectors, please do not purchase this listing. (Canadian purchasers responsible for all additional customs/fees. To pick up your painting in person in the Hartford, CT area, please email Jess after your purchase to set up a time (she will refund $100 upon pick up of your painting). Painted on 1 3/8' deep gallery wrapped canvas with all sides painted, so no framing is needed. Original acrylic painting by Jess Franks.

Reflection painting