Anna

Jean Kelly · 10-30-2007, 11:42 PM

Ha! I remember that you have an extensive collection also, Sharon. You are both welcome to come anytime, February is especially nice here. We have a huge fireplace to warm your backsides while I'm painting you!

Seriously, I'm going to slow the nudes down and work on some studies to see if I can improve my eye-hand coordination when dong free hand work. I spoke with my Doc and he has advised me to work slower and more gently, I may never be able to paint with "wild abandon" again. This is probably a good thing................ landscapes are a whole lot easier than nudes. Dogs are too. Here's my Zoe, I wonder how she would look in a corset?

Jean

Judy Simons · 10-31-2007, 07:34 AM

Zoe looks fabulous just the way she is. I can feel her weight and how fur grows from loose skin. Zoe contacts the floor perfectly and there is no question about the space she occupies.

Your figure, although having some nicely painted passages, doesn't have that solidity.

Painting from life is much easier. Photos decrease the amount of information available (athough they have other uses.)

I'm sorry to hear about your arm injury and I hope you recover perfectly no matter what the doctor tells you. I broke my ulna (?) and was told 80% of patients with that injury are never again able to raise their arm to shoulder level.

I've completely regained mobility and the doctor was impressed enough he wanted to know kind of physical therapy was involved. I told him I painted 5 hours a day. He actually passed that on to his associates.

I hope painting helps you heal as completely.

Jean Kelly · 11-01-2007, 11:41 AM

Thank you Judy, and welcome to the board. Your work has an energy and strength that I admire very much. Thanks also for the words of support, and the story of your own injury. Painting and art can have almost mystical healing properties, the kind that doctors of "science" alone will never understand. I've caught myself commanding the neurons to reconnect, directing the blood flow, and in the darkest moments wanting to cut the damaged tissues out of my body. I believe that without having painting I would have given up long ago (I'm 4.5 years into this, multiple damage to spine, ribcage, scapula and rotator cuff). Today is not my best day so just ignore my whining. I need a "wounded artists" site.

The book came yesterday, a real treat for my eyes! Thank you Steven! So, in my imagination, I will attend a real atelier.

Jean

Judy Simons · 11-01-2007, 08:01 PM

Thank for the welcome, Jean. I feel a bit shy to post beside all the wonderful painters here, but a forum only works if people participate. Your work is truly lovely and I wish the very best for your continued recovery so you can continue with such wonderful painting.

Jean Kelly · 11-13-2007, 06:10 PM

I certainly don't want to bring this painting back up for comment, but wanted to tell you, Judy, not to feel shy about posting your work here. There are many on this board that only wish to pass on their knowledge to others that are working on becoming better artists. Critiques can sometimes sting, but are a necessary part of progress. Praise is even better.

Jean

Judy Simons · 11-13-2007, 09:16 PM

Critique is great, especially when it comes from people who know what they're talking about. I plan to post paintings and spend more time with this forum but right now I have a couple problems: 1) I'm painting lemons. I paint too many different things and right now it is flying lemons. I'm looking at the space between the object and background, but it's still lemons ...

I'm also painting a head from a photo. I hate to do that, but sometimes that's all the sitter wants and they don't have time to sit. It's not something I want to post right now.

I'm also packing to move - house, studio and two barns. When I'm in my new place I hope to have more time for the forum. Packing house is such a bummer! Due to circumstances beyond our control this move it taking place between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I'm just swamped with moving and holiday necessities. I'm thinking of going on strike.

It's a good suggestion, Jean, thank you.

Jean Kelly · 11-14-2007, 01:13 AM

Good luck to you, Judy. Moving is such a traumatic experience. I hope your new home gives you a great studio to work in, and much inspiration.

Jean