it seems to me that we spend our lives trying to solve problems by looking at what seem like the obvious solution. For example, when painting a portrait it is quite common to see an artist struggling with one area of the face, let’s say the nose. Back and forth we go adding and deleting paint, when often all that’s needed is a shadow next to the nose….and voila – the answer is revealed.
In this instance, to reveal the calla lily, I have gone into the area surrounding it, or what we call the negative space…….
All the white in this image is dry white paper.
A Bientôt
My Life as an Artist (2) 
Oh how good it is to appreciate the negative space… for non artists too… they might think they were lost in a black hole, not realizing that if they move their attention just a few millimeters, they’ll discover a friendly nose. There’s hope for all of us. And a very good morning to you, my dear Janet.
Yes, there is hope for us all….sending love Janet. xx
Oh I do like these mini master-classes of yours, Janet.
Thank you, Tish…:)
A valuable lesson and a superb lily! 🙂
Thank you – much appreciated:)
Too true….A point well illustrated in this post. Lateral viewing so essential….Watch those ‘negative spaces’…..Have a Super Day! Hugs! ❤
Thank you, Bushka….you know this only too well in your writing….Janet. xxx
I love the way you talk about painting, and the technical insights you give us in these posts, but most of all I just love the way your passion for what you do shines out of your words and paintings
Thank you so much, Peter….that is a real compliment .:)
A beautiful study of one of my favourite flowers. Thinking of all the times you have talked about how you create your pieces, it seems to me that I should now be able to paint! Keep smiling. 🙂 xx
I am hoping that one day we will paint together:)x
Beauty in simplicity. I love the contrasts. Mega hugs!
Thank you, Teagan:)x
Sometimes just a simple change, like a word or two here and there in writing.
Indeed. x
So true! Even in writing, when I find a piece feels lethargic and lifeless and I can’t seem to make it perfect, leaving stuff out becomes the key to giving the important thoughts room to breathe. Sometimes we try too hard to make something perfect by over-doing it, when really “less is more”. Thanks for the food for thought!! 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment…and yes this principle applies to writing and probably life in general….much appreciated…janet. 🙂
Beautiful demonstration on the importance of negative space in a painting. This is beautiful Janet!
Thank you…so much:)
Ah yes…..and there is much to be found in negative spaces too. A wonderful demonstration.xxx
Thank you, Dina….enjoy the day.xxx
It’s beautiful.
Thank you:)
I suppose we need some kind of trust in life and its processes which school of the ordinary kind might take away.I would not like to my writing to be graded,passed or failed.If we move beyond that approach we can find something good.It’s a fine allegory as well as an art lesson.:)
Thank you so much….and keep writing:)xxx
Definitely.thank you.xxx
simply lovely xx
Thank you Jane. To be an artist means seeing what many others may not see. We may all look but not all will see.
This is very true…as an artist, observation is key. Janet
i agree with you.
Thank you:)
Brilliance janet♡♡
Thank you so much….have a wonderful weekend…Janet:)
And to you my friend ♡
Reblogged this on My Life as an Artist (2) and commented:
As my computer is being is a little off colour at the moment – until solution is found I will be re blogging this week. Janet:)
Janet, you are as magical as your hummingbirds. I was “supposed to see this today.” As I struggle (for 3 years now) to relocate — never finding/learning what prevents me, this weekend it became clear to me. It’s been obvious that the obstacle is not me, my resume, or my skills. It’s akin to the shadow for the lily; not me but my “shadow”. I was rejected so many times that I no longer believe it’s possible. While you transformed the lily by adding a shadow, I need to “recolor” mine. Mega hugs!
You are so right – the shadow needs to be a different colour. Maybe one of the vibrant, creative, imaginative colours you love so much. Thank you. I look forward to hearing about all the new ideas that form. Janet:) xx
Yes… If I can’t visualize where and how I want to be, I know that I can at least imagine the shadow color transforming. 🙂 Hugs.
Exactly. X