The Painting Spectrum - When Is Enough... Enough?

   If you look back through my blog archives, you'll notice that this is my first post since January 2016, and only one of a hand-full in the past six months. I'm still painting, but more of my energy lately has been involved in selling works for the Christmas season, marketing myself, writing my second book, reevaluating where I'm going with my art work, and recently celebrating half a century on the planet. Yes - it's been a busy couple of months.

   It seems I'm at a crossroads with my painting - not whether to continue and/or keep selling, but whether or not I should paint over some "older" canvases. After 30 years of painting, and not having the luxury of selling every single work I've ever created, canvases have been mounting up to the point where I'm running out of room. Not just in my studio, but also in my living space as well as a storage closet at my youngest daughters house 10 miles away. I've done it before - last time was about 10 years ago - painted over "older" canvases or works that I felt weren't up to my standard of potential at the time... if that makes any sense.

   But here's the rub - after all these years and even doing the "painting over" process once before, I'm still scared to actually do it. My husband has diligently photographed and cataloged every single piece of artwork I've ever done; including pen and inks, process drawings, works that have been sold or long since painted over. But my mind runs through the arguments; "It can still be used for inspiration for another painting." or "What if someone wants to buy the original 10 years from now?"

   The other side of the coin is that my process has improved over the years. Aspects like perspective, dimension, and balance have resulted in better paintings. For example, I gave a hard look at some floral works I did upwards of 15-20 years ago, and I must admit they seemed more flawed than more recent paintings. The perspective seems off, the flowers are too "flat", and to make matters worse, ultra-violet rays from indirect sunlight have faded and/or altered the pigment colors. Because of that, part of me is more than likely to paint over it - the work has had its time. Time to move on. The other part of me thinks I'm painting over history - my history - and I would be destroying it.

   Apparently, many artists struggle with this conflict and challenge. I read an article recently that even famous artists throughout history have been known to paint over and at times destroy or burn original works. They, like a lot of us, simply run out of space.

   However, the most frustrating aspect of this challenge is that I've had more people than I can count tell me I'm a great artist, or that I'm very talented, and that they love my work. I've even had a few people try talking me out of my idea of painting over an older work. "How can you even think that? You just can't paint over that - it's gorgeous!" Point taken, I think. Then I ask them since they love the work so much, how about they buy the painting... at a greatly reduced price... or, hold on a minute, I'll give it to you. It will go to a good home. After all, you just told me you love it. Awkward look and dead silence. And they don't take the painting either...

   Granted, not every scenario plays out this way. I've had numerous people accept my works as either gifts or purchases with enthusiasm and open arms. I'm trying to come up with some different ideas so I can "thin the herd" and alleviate my storage problem. One concept I came up with is a penny auction, perhaps on my Etsy website. I would list numerous older works at prices ranging from one dollar down to a penny. The only other expense the customer would have to pay for would be shipping and insurance. What do you think? Do you have any other ideas? Send a reply or comment below and let me know what you think. Serious ideas only, please.

Until next time,
The Happy Over-Stocked Painter,
Jill