Painting Transformations:Turning a Bird into a Vase with Flowers

Looking through some old paintings this week I happened upon one of a bird that never really thrilled me.  Placing the painting upside down on the easel allowed me to forget about the existing subject matter and I proceeded to play a little with the idea of a very traditional still life subject, a vase with flowers. 

Not having a vase brimming with flowers as a guide, I ran into all the usual creative problems that arise when I try to work out of my imagination; things look stiff and lack a certain punch. 

Undaunted I continued to paint, reminding myself that it is the process and not necessarily the final product that matters. I brought it along to my Tuesday painting group and was inspired to make some changes. 

In the end, a fellow painter suggested that I put it away for a while and that it would probably end up on the easel, upside down....ready to become the base for another painting.


Well, yeah that is probably true, but this morning I still wanted to have another go at it. Taking another suggestion (from one of my most reliable sources) I painted the background yellow ochre.  Hmmm..

Detail of Vase with Flowers

Maybe that works, maybe it doesn't and quite possibly this one will end up buried underneath another few layers of paint one day. What I find useful is learning to take risks, being willing to push (and maybe destroy) a painting rather than playing it safe and saving a mediocre work. 

Learning to take risks in painting may even push me to take risks outside the walls of the studio.  What might I create if I was willing to turn life upside down, change my perspective and boldly grab hold of what lies beyond my comfort zone?

Thank you for visiting My Turquoise Kettle Life.

Wishing you a day of bold ideas,

Sandra