The first piece was initially a sketch done at a local nature park. The fern struck me as a ideal subject to learn to "write" a painting. The fronds present themselves as broad stroke lines that taper and convolute with grace. At best, that was almost like a botanical study with calligraphic overtones. I therefore used this sketch as an example of salvaging an otherwise plain painting by adding a little interest to it.
The other piece was a sketch of peony. The original sketch had the floral petals "gou"ed (outlined) . It was an exercise in still life sketching with a brush. I took liberty with the sepals and leaves, for a more cohesive presentation. The coloring of the petals was an afterthought. Unfortunately this is where I biffed. I did painting by the numbers. The outlined planogram tempted me to fill in the boundaries with color. I committed the cardinal sin of blocking in with titanium and not using it as a transitional member. Thus the whole thing as a rather "plastic" feel to it. Perfect candidate for OPERATION SALVAGE. I used it as an example of how to revive your dead painting by adding a smidgen of interest to it, in the form of a grasshopper.
Unto the bad painting, a shtick was given, or was it a straight man?
