Morning Light
I read somewhere recently that it takes tens years to master painting and only five or six years of study to become a doctor.
I agree. When I first started oil painting in 2007, I expected to get good fast because of my many years employed as a full time illustrator.
"Morning Light" Size 5x7 by M Francis McCarthy
While I feel that my years of art experience have saved me some time learning my craft, I have to admit it's not nearly as much time saved as I would have reckoned.
To paint well requires lots of on the job training. No amount of books, DVD's, lessons or workshops can replace hours spent at the easel. Even with lots of painting time under one's belt, each painting presents fresh challenges and demands concentration and focus.
Still, what a great way to spend your time on this earth. I can personally think of nothing I'd rather be doing that working in my studio every day. It's awesome to see the paintings pile up. The good ones we keep, the ok ones we tweak and the bad ones we paint right over.
One of my greatest issues with doing commercial illustration was that reproductions of my art were often headed for a dumpster after that tee shirt wore out or that mug got broken.
One thing I love about original paintings is that I know that if they are good, someone will treasure them and in turn pass then unto their loved ones to enjoy and so on. It makes me feel good to think that I'm creating something that is beautiful and thus has intrinsic value.
I'm lucky to have such work.
Cheers,
A bit about "Morning Light". I've painted this motif before. You can find it here on my website. I set out one early morning for Silvercreek Park. I had to drive a bit to get there, and I had to leave early because I wanted strong diagonal light. This painting is based of a photo I took that morning.
This painting is all about light as there's just some bush and some grass really. I really enjoy paying the dappled morning light playing on the grass. I've also recently painted this motif as a 8x10. I'm really happy with that painting and as soon as I photograph it I will post it here.