Archive Mode. Call 2021 DAKOTA PASTEL COMPETITION - FOURTH QUARTER ended on 12/15/21, 11:59 PM. Call settings are read only. See Current Open Calls
This was my very first still life, done earlier this year, and although I've done a couple more since, it's still my favorite. I found this little vase at a thrift shop and if I'd been a cartoon character, my eyes would have formed into hearts! I had to try painting it! However, I dreaded trying to recreate all of those little glaze swirls and indeed I avoided the whole vase until the very end. When I could procrastinate no longer and somewhat grudgingly sat down to do what I could, the details just flowed onto the paper - a streak of reflective light here, a hint of curving shadow there. After I sat back, I was shocked at how well it came out! Although flowers may never be my Thing, this painting did give me a newfound love for the tangible textures and quirky little details found in still lifes. And, I think this will always be one of those pieces that many artists must keep around, a piece just to look at, for when doubt and insecurity rear their ugly heads, as proof that you might do great things, if you only try.
