Tuesday, November 22, 2011

This Artists Life

watercolor work in progress
10" x 14"

With every portrait painting there is a certain point when everything starts to come together. I have the foundation in place, the shapes of the face are accurate, and the hard part is over.

But. . . this point is kind of a no return. I'm crossing the Rubicon. It's do or die from here on out. (okay I'm done with the cliches. . . I think) I need to tread carefully and take slow, methodical steps to finish the painting and push it to be everything I want it to be. If I rush it and don't think it through carefully I will make a mistake and it will be ruined.

That's where I am with this painting right now. I'm ready to see it finished but it's taking me a long time, more in planning than actual execution. But that's the way I paint. This is me. I can't paint any other way.

Sometimes there's some kind of Divine intervention that comes over me and my hands and eyes know exactly what to do, but most of the time my paintings require a good deal of thought and planning, as much as I might wish otherwise.

I think that sometimes we try to be what we think others want us to be. Spontaneous, loose, impressionistic. Those are all qualities that I admire in other artist's work. But it's not me. I can't force myself to paint or write in a way that isn't my own unique voice.

So I paint portraits, because I love faces and expression, and horses because they are beautiful, powerful, and kind, or stuffed animals, or sliced kiwis just because. And I write about cupcakes and chocolate, insecurities and fears, Coldplay songs and the Vampire Diaries, Hobbit jokes in novels and my life as a mother. I write about things that make me feel something. I paint things that make me feel something.

And it is my fervent hope that when you come here you feel something too. :)

So thank you friends, for reading my posts (which are sometimes longer than they should be), looking at my paintings (even the bad ones), encouraging me (when I'm feeling bad about myself) and making me laugh (with your witty comments and emails). I am an artist and I always will be, but the journey is made easier and more enjoyable when you know there's someone there to share it with. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. :))) 


And my good friend Sandra featured me on her blog today! I'm so honored and touched. Thank you Sandra! Do go check it out right here. :)

28 comments:

  1. Happy Thanks giving to you too :) You are so right that journey is easier when you can share it with someone! And, the W-i-p is off to a glowing start --will wait for you to finish at your own pace :) Happy painting!

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  2. Crystal, your posts always brighten my day, love to hear about how and why you paint, admire your willingness to share your weaknesses and just adore all of your paintings, so I hope you never change from just being you. You are perfect just the way you are. Although we have never met, I count you as one of my blessings.

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  3. I loved this post.. It is pure reflection.. And through this you'll find your peace. You find yourself. Keep painting.. keep reflecting..

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  4. Crystal, I love your posts, each and every one, every word and image! I can already see your son finished in this portrait.
    And may I wish you and your family a most wonderful Thanksgiving!! HUZZAH [if that is appropriate here?]

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  5. I will look forward to seeing this one evolve, it's already a charmer...happy Thanksgiving to you too!

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  6. Very thoughtful and interesting post. The WIP is looking good! xx

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  7. Dang......you're makin' me cry, this is such a beautiful post. Sigh!

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  8. Don't ever try to be anything but who you are, which is delightful, insightful, and magical! I too often need to take time with my pieces, to plan, to consider, to reconsider...we can only be who we are. Sometimes one can toss in a whimsical spontaneous stroke and that's amazing when it happens but I have found it is useless to force anything. Thanks for your uplifting comment on my last blog page...I've been avoiding everything lately, but working on the next project (slowly!) so seeing your comment brightened my resolve! Thanks.

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  9. He has that Crystal Cook glow! Just keep doing what you're doing! Your work and writing is always wonderful and beautiful. THANK YOU for sharing you.

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  10. I love this post, to see inside your process, see what it takes to breath such life into moments etched on faces. Already this is full of life, the expression captured and captivating. Obviously you are made for just this kind of intricate, delicate work, I'm always in awe of such incredible talent.
    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving my friend!

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  11. The different colors that you have the courage to use come together so amazingly! It's just beautiful! Thanks for always posting such encouraging words. I read Sandra's post about you, and you have definitely done what you set out to do with your blog!

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  12. I just love your posts, Crystal!! I'll be the first to read your book when it comes out!! LOL This WIP is coming along beautifully, as always. and of course, Happy Thanksgiving, Blogger friend!!!

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  13. Dear Crystal,
    A. Your posts are never longer than they should be! Banish the thought >: I
    B. You've got mad skills (as my kids would say)
    C. You make everything glow
    D. You inspire me with every post
    E. Art? Books? Cupcakes? Coldplay? What's not to like!
    You are just following the old adage for happiness and contentment: To Thine Own Self Be True.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
    Off to read Sandra's blog...

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  14. i always feel something when im lucky enough to drop by.. i feel pure awe.. you are amazingly talented.. and please be you.. you are special in so many ways...

    wishing you and your family a wonderful thanksgiving!!

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  15. This painting is beautiful--I can completely understand your handle-with-care approach. And who on earth wants to paint the way someone else wants them to? I mean... what would be the point? You can paint thoughtfully and carefully and still be just as "free" as a person who flicks paint globs at the canvas (not to mention produce better looking work)!

    Hope you have a great Thanksgiving as well, and if you want, stop by my art blog too.

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  16. Another beautiful painting, I am most impressed that you do these portraits in watercolors which are so unforgiving, wow. I might have said that before but I think of it every time I visit. Happy Thanksgiving to you.

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  17. Love your work and your posts! The point of no return--I can relate to that. Such a lovely painting already and I can't wait to see it complete. Now, I'll go check out your friend's blog!

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  18. Lovely thoughtful post - and the portrait is looking good!

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  19. What a beautiful roguish face! Wonderful light ! Bises.

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  20. I love your post for the art work and what you have to say. The reason I started blogging was to connect with other artists and to read what they have to say about the journey they are taking with their work and have found some very wonderful people who have inspired me and have encouraged me in my work. I'm looking forward to seeing this portrait completed as it's going to be wonderful. Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving.

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  21. Wow Crystal! So soft and beautiful. And your previous post about your husband was very touching and sweet. Terrific painting of that young couple . . . you definitely captured the light. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! :)

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  22. I am glad you are being 'you' and make no appologies for it! You are one of the most talented Artists I have come across and every painting you do says 'Crystal Cook' - and no, I don't mean the watermark, lol!
    This painting is clearly going to be amazing as always! It's already glowing!
    I loved reading your answers to my questions! Thank you for agreeing to do it! :0)

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  23. This looks stunning already, I'm looking forward to seeing the finished painting.

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  24. Thank goodness!!! For a while now I have been trying to make the first marks on the paper of a rather special drawing I wish to do ... my daughter on her wedding day. If an artist of your outstanding skill gets that "tread carefully" feeling, then no wonder I'm hesitant. Thanks for a wonderful and timely post.

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  25. Beautiful words, Crystal! Lovely painting too.

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  26. You are great, I love your portraits and planning does not matter you have to do, what matters is how good you are. Come on we're not falling behind for whatever you need and let us know. Many many kisses!

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  27. nice depiction of tonal variations! happy thanks giving!

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  28. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

    I love the way this one is coming together, and I especialy love the previous post - newly smitten - perfect. :)

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment they really do mean so much to me! Because not all bloggers have their email enabled so I can reply directly through email I will try to reply here in the comments. If I don't please forgive me, life must have been hectic that day! :)) Huzzah!!

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