Ok - I'm a little offended and let me tell you why. I love - LOVE - your work Kelley and am trying seriously to find a way to take one of your workshops (although you probably won't let me after this post). I have heard more than once - "paint what you love and love what you paint"(and paint what you know). I happen to love (and know) my chickens. Mine eat out of my hands; I feed them and let them out in the evenings to find bugs in the yard. Around dusk they put themselves up to roost, and I "tuck them in". They are beautiful, funny, and friendly, and provide way more eggs (and entertainment) than I can keep up with. We fight off bob cats, foxes, and hawks to keep them safe (this isn't easy - believe me - and unfortunately we've lost a few) I resent the fact that painting chickens is associated with beginning painters, and I've never heard this before. I paint them because it's what I know; what I love. Same with cows. I live on a farm. This is my life. I was raised here; my dad was raised here - and he's 80. And no offense - but chickens have wide open round eyes - always - like most birds - it's part of what makes them sort of mysterious and odd. A slanted line just doesn't do the beautiful chicken justice. I'm nowhere close to being the artist that you are, but I continue to try to find my voice - a voice that includes chickens.
Lisa, thanks for your comment. No offense meant. I was commenting on the fact that while I've seen lots of students (I teach everyday) paint chickens & cows, I missed painting them & took the opportunity to attempt it. I, in by no means, meant that only beginners paint them. Really we are all beginners when we "tackle" a subject for the first time, regardless of how long we've painted. It is so true to "Paint what you love, love what you paint & paint what you know." But it's also good to challenge yourself occasionally to a new subject which was why I painted the chicken. Thanks and you are welcome at my workshops... passionate people make good artists.
Thank you for understanding Kelley - and you are absolutely right about painting what you know and love but also challenging yourself. At this point in my career, pretty much everything is a challenge! I appreciate the fact that my passion showed through and that I didn't just come across as a critical, snotty b**ch (or maybe I did, but you are too kind!) In any event, thank you for understanding and thank you for taking the time to respond. I look forward to our friendship.
7 comments:
Well...for missing the boat on the chicken race...you have done superbly. When does the cow come?
Is when the "cows come home" an appropriate answer?
oh you funny.....real funny. Let you in on a secret, I have never done a cow either. Perhaps we should embrace together?
Ok - I'm a little offended and let me tell you why. I love - LOVE - your work Kelley and am trying seriously to find a way to take one of your workshops (although you probably won't let me after this post). I have heard more than once - "paint what you love and love what you paint"(and paint what you know). I happen to love (and know) my chickens. Mine eat out of my hands; I feed them and let them out in the evenings to find bugs in the yard. Around dusk they put themselves up to roost, and I "tuck them in". They are beautiful, funny, and friendly, and provide way more eggs (and entertainment) than I can keep up with. We fight off bob cats, foxes, and hawks to keep them safe (this isn't easy - believe me - and unfortunately we've lost a few) I resent the fact that painting chickens is associated with beginning painters, and I've never heard this before. I paint them because it's what I know; what I love. Same with cows. I live on a farm. This is my life. I was raised here; my dad was raised here - and he's 80. And no offense - but chickens have wide open round eyes - always - like most birds - it's part of what makes them sort of mysterious and odd. A slanted line just doesn't do the beautiful chicken justice. I'm nowhere close to being the artist that you are, but I continue to try to find my voice - a voice that includes chickens.
Lisa, thanks for your comment. No offense meant. I was commenting on the fact that while I've seen lots of students (I teach everyday) paint chickens & cows, I missed painting them & took the opportunity to attempt it. I, in by no means, meant that only beginners paint them. Really we are all beginners when we "tackle" a subject for the first time, regardless of how long we've painted. It is so true to "Paint what you love, love what you paint & paint what you know." But it's also good to challenge yourself occasionally to a new subject which was why I painted the chicken. Thanks and you are welcome at my workshops... passionate people make good artists.
Oh my...I think I feel Chick Wars vs. Donut Wars coming on! This is completely darling :)
Thank you for understanding Kelley - and you are absolutely right about painting what you know and love but also challenging yourself. At this point in my career, pretty much everything is a challenge! I appreciate the fact that my passion showed through and that I didn't just come across as a critical, snotty b**ch (or maybe I did, but you are too kind!) In any event, thank you for understanding and thank you for taking the time to respond. I look forward to our friendship.
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